Senior, woman and doctor with otoscope in clinic for ear screening, wellness exam and audio check. Ent, otolaryngology or medical professional with elderly person in hospital for checkup or infection
Shelby LaGaly always knew she wanted a career helping others live their best lives.
“I was originally a special education major at Montana State University Billings, but I realized quickly that working with large groups was not for me,” said the South Dakota native. “I knew I’d do better in a one-on-one setting.”
Taking the advice of a retired teacher, LaGaly signed up for an introductory class in speech pathology, immediately falling in love with the coursework.
Shelby LaGaly
“Hearing and speech walk hand in hand,” she said. “I took several audiology-driven courses in conjunction with speech and language disorders, and I was drawn more to the hearing aspects.”
After working as a certified audiology assistant at a local audiology/ENT clinic, LaGaly went on to become a fully licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. She joined My Hearing Centers’ Billings office in 2020, where her passion for helping the hearing-impaired has been on full display ever since.
My Hearing Centers started operations in 2010 to bring a fresh approach to the field of hearing education and hearing care. Over time, the company has grown to include more than 100 locations across the western United States, staffed by providers who strive to maintain a personal connection to the communities they serve. The Billings office is no exception.
“My Hearing Centers has been a fantastic company to work for,” LaGaly said. “We have a wonderful group of dedicated business associates in our main office who take great pride in supporting their providers through training, knowledge and encouragement.”
As a hearing instrument specialist, LaGaly conducts hearing evaluations. If the patient has a treatable loss, she recommends appropriate technology based on the patient’s needs. “Hearing aids are not plug and play,” said LaGaly. “They must be fit and programmed specifically for each patient’s hearing loss.” She also maintains the best hearing aid options to achieve optimal results for her clients.
“I have the wonderful opportunity to contribute to people’s quality of life,” she said. “I get to help them hear better, interact more and enjoy life to the fullest every day.”
LaGaly often donates her time and service as part of her ongoing commitment to the Billings community. This year, My Hearing Centers is making an even bigger push to increase local engagement by providing free hearing screenings and answering questions at the Montana State Fair and the YMCA, and hosting informational seminars at local assisted-living facilities.
“We want people to know that treating hearing loss can positively impact your health,” LaGaly said. “In fact, when it comes to dementia, hearing loss may be the largest modifiable risk factor. Tinnitus can be symptomatic of untreated hearing loss, and hearing aids can significantly reduce the perception of tinnitus. Hearing aids can provide impressive improvements in the social, emotional, psychological and physical wellbeing of people with hearing loss.”
Looking to the future, LaGaly plans to keep working with My Hearing Centers for as long as she possibly can.
“There are so many opportunities within the company to continue providing excellent hearing healthcare solutions,” she said. “I’ve never worked with and for a better group of people.”
My Hearing Centers’ Billings office is located at 3039 Grand Ave., Suite A. For more information, call 406.206.3226 or go to myhearingcenters.com.
