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About us

The leading provider of hearing solutions in the Northwest.

We achieve this distinction by offering superior hearing solutions, connecting our patients with seasoned professionals who provide expert advice, extraordinary technology, and exceptional value, all complemented by outstanding service.

Our commitment to integrity, compassion, hope, and dedication guides every aspect of our work, fostering a positive environment for our team, guests, and patients alike. We take pride in serving as the conduit for our patients' journey to Better Living through Better Hearing.

A member of the Columbia Basin Hearing Center team smiling, wearing a white blazer and striped shirt

Our team

Meet our Providers and Assistants

Doctors of Audiology, hearing instrument specialists, and certified audiology assistants — the people you'll actually see at every visit.

Dr. Shannon Marie, Doctor of Audiology and owner of Columbia Basin Hearing Center

Shannon Marie, Au.D.

Owner and Tinnitus Specialist

Dr. Shannon Marie is the owner and one of the Doctors of Audiology at Columbia Basin Hearing Center. Throughout her career, she has become a leading expert in tinnitus treatment and has helped thousands of patients find “better living through better hearing.” Beyond her work with Columbia Basin Hearing Center, Dr. Shannon is a serial entrepreneur and nature therapist who has served on multiple professional boards and is known as an inspirational speaker and mentor.

She is also the owner of Abundant Wanderings, where everyone can learn to find healing and balance in the nature that surrounds them everyday.

Dr. Melanie Muhlestein with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white lab coat with her name and credentials embroidered on it

Melanie Muhlestein, Au.D.

Clinical Audiologist and APD Specialist

Melanie Muhlestein, AuD, has had a long journey to return to her Tri-Cities home as an Audiologist. After earning her Master’s degree in Audiology from Utah State University in 1996, she dedicated time to raising her two boys. Their challenges paved the way to her specialty interests later. As they got older, she worked her way back to Audiology, first in the schools, then in clinic work at Better Hearing and Audiology in Idaho, where she learned how to be methodical and patient in fitting hearing aids and solving communication problems.

In searching for answers for her boys’ Auditory Processing Disorder, she completed Master Classes in APD evaluation and treatment, and went back to graduate school to earn her Doctor of Audiology degree from AT Still University, where her boys were by her side at graduation. She recently returned to her home community and joined the team at Columbia Basin Hearing Center. She knew it was a good fit for her because of their dedication to full diagnostic evaluations, best practices, and best fit technology, as well as a whole person approach.

Dr. Cassidy White with long dark hair, wearing a white lab coat with a name badge

Cassidy White, Au.D.

Clinical Audiologist Tele-Health

Dr. Cassidy White is a licensed Audiologist working for us remotely from beautiful Livingston, Tennessee. She received her Doctorate of Audiology from Idaho State University in 2020. Dr. White has experience treating diverse populations, from infants to geriatrics, and all stages in between. She has worked in a variety of clinics, including private practice and Veteran’s Affairs.

Dr. White’s greatest interests include hearing aid dispensing, counseling and education, and tinnitus management. She is passionate about improving communication and quality of life through better hearing.

Corrin Stevens, with long wavy blonde hair, wearing glasses and a red lace long-sleeve top

Corrin Stevens

Hearing Instrument Specialist and CAOHC Certified Industrial Screener

Corrin was born and raised in the Seattle area. She received her bachelor’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington. After graduating, she worked at Seattle Children’s Hospital for 13 years. Her family moved to the Tri-Cities in 2016, and she had absolutely no idea what to expect. She quickly grew to enjoy the seasons, the atmosphere, and how everything is just 15 minutes away.

She was fortunate to return to the field of audiology through Columbia Basin Hearing Center and loves both her work and the people she gets to work with. With so much changing in the world of technology, she is excited to see what comes next.

Ellija Snapp with a beard and short dark hair, wearing a black medical scrubs shirt with embroidered name and logo

Ellija Snapp

Audiology Assistant — IT Specialist and CAOHC Certified Industrial Screener

Born and raised in the Tri-Cities, Ellija is a CAOHC Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist, an Audiology Assistant, and our in-house IT Specialist. With a long history in the medical field and a lifelong passion for electronics, hearing aid care is a perfect fit for his special set of skills.

When he isn't juggling his many hats at work he enjoys reading, coding, and playing with his cat.

Avery Palazzo, a young woman with long wavy brown hair, smiling and wearing a dark gray medical scrub top

Avery Palazzo

Audiology Assistant — CAOHC Certified Industrial Screener

Avery grew up on the west side of Washington before moving to the Tri-Cities as a teenager. She is a Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist and Audiology Assistant who is deeply committed to patient care. Avery began her professional journey as a paraeducator with the Richland School District, where she developed a passion for helping others. Her interest in the medical field—and specifically audiology—grew during her time working as a Patient Ambassador.

Today, Avery takes pride in making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients through compassionate care and support. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, as well as paddle boarding during the summer months.

In the community

Serving our Community

Screenings, classrooms, ball games, and the occasional plunge into very cold water — hearing care doesn't stop at the clinic door.

A team member performing a hearing screening for a patient at a community event
Corrin helping a man with his hearing aids at a community event
Dr. Shannon examining a patient with a medical device during a checkup
Team members smiling at a Special Olympics Healthy Hearing event
Ellija talking with attendees at an indoor community event
A teacher reading to young students in a classroom
Three team members at an outdoor event holding signs about hearing and listening
A group including a person in a polar bear costume holding hearing health signs
People jumping into the water from a marina dock at the Polar Plunge
Four team members in matching shirts standing near the water at the Polar Plunge
Team members seated at a conference table at a community event
Dr. Shannon and Ellija demonstrating the Earigator ear cleaning system

Partnerships

Who we stand beside

Logo of Special Olympics Washington

Washington State Special Olympics

Spring 2024 & Spring 2025

We are thrilled to partner with the Special Olympics by serving their Healthy Athletes program and ensuring that every possible person can experience Better Living through Better Hearing!

Logo of the Tri-City Dust Devils baseball team

Dust Devils Fireworks Night Sponsorship

2024

We are proud to partner with the Tri-Cities Dust Devils to provide earplugs for their attendees during fireworks nights in 2024. Hearing care starts with hearing protection, and we are proud to serve our community by helping our partners keep their attendees ears in home-run shape!

Dr. Shannon Marie smiling while holding a baseball
Dr. Shannon Marie prepares to throw out the first pitch during one of the Dust Devils Fireworks Nights!
Two team members posing with the Dust Devils mascot at the hearing center booth
Carey and Mike pose with none other than Dusty himself as they prepare to hand out tons of schwag and educate the attendees about Hearing Health!

Ready to hear what you've been missing?

Comprehensive evaluation, personalized guidance, and a clear path toward better everyday hearing. Call the clinic nearest you.