Get to Know Your PHC Audiologists - Julie Otto, Au.D.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Overland Park, Kansas.

Where did you go to school? 

High school: Blue Valley Northwest

Undergrad:  K-State

Grad school: KU Med

Why did you want to become an audiologist?

I knew that I wanted a career that was a helping profession and that I found to be very meaningful.  I love technology and problem solving as well. So audiology was the perfect fit for me! It is a very rewarding career.  

Who is someone that has had an influence on you in the field of audiology?

My boss, Kelly Spiller, has been the biggest influence on me as well as many of the audiologists at Professional Hearing Center.  I started at Professional Hearing Center as a student. It was my first clinic placement outside of the university student clinics.  Kelly is someone I have always looked up to and I feel so incredibly lucky that she invited me into the PHC family as a resident and now as a licensed audiologist! I have learned so much from her and would not be the audiologist I am today if it wasn’t for her!

What is your favorite area of audiology?

I really do love all areas of audiology, but I would say my favorite is working with my patients to help find the perfect hearing aid(s) for them. Our clinic fits all hearing aid manufacturers so we are lucky to have so many options! It is definitely an adjustment process for many people and there is some counseling involved, but once we find the right product and have some time to fine-tune the hearing aids to each patient’s unique needs and preferences, patients love them!  I love when people tell me how much better they can hear their family members and all of the sounds around them.

At what office(s) do you work?

I currently work at Menorah Medical Center in Overland Park and Research Medical Center in Kansas City.

Now some fun questions! What’s your favorite food?

I love tacos!  I also have a major sweet tooth.  I love chocolate chip cookies.

What is one food you would never eat?

Escargot – snails freak me out! Too slimy!

What’s your favorite travel destination?

I love Kauai, Hawaii. It is gorgeous, and there is so much to do!

What are your hobbies?

I love traveling!  I love trying new restaurants and spending time exploring a new city with friends or family.  I also love being outside and going on hikes or walks.