Meet Our Hearing Healthcare Professionals

We understand that you have high expectations of those you depend on for your healthcare. With over 30 years of combined experience, we are prepared to exceed those expectations.

Don Cook, AuD
Doctor of Audiology

Don Cook, AuD, CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology

Donald Cook received his Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from Texas Tech University in 1985. He received his Master of Science degree in Audiology from the University of North Texas in 1992 and his Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) from the University of Florida in 2001.

From 1992 to 2002, Dr. Cook practiced as an audiologist for ENT medical practices in Austin and Midland Texas. Recently, Dr. Cook has served as a consultant for Siemens Hearing Instruments and Starkey Laboratories, two of the world's leading global hearing aid manufactures.

Dr. Cook is licensed to practiced Audiology in the State of Texas. He is a Fellow of the American Academy (AAA) and holds a certificate of clinical competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA), as well as being a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology.

Lori Cook
Hearing Instrument Specialist

Lori Cook
Hearing Instrument Specialist

Lori Cook, a Hearing Instrument Specialist, has ten years experience in the hearing healthcare industry. With a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas systems, Lori has a deep sense of concern both for her patients and her community.

While attentive to building lasting patient relationships, Lori also prioritizes educating the community at large about early detection of hearing loss, treatment and prevention. She is committed to helping provide access to hearing services for all as evidence by Cook Hearing & Balance’s five-year relationship with the Starkey Hearing Foundation and their charitable donation to the Sertoma clubs in 2011. She is also a member of the Texas Hearing Aid Association and the International Hearing Society.

Having worked for two of the leading hearing aid manufacturers, both as a Territory Manager and a Consultant, Lori understands the technology behind the devices and the benefit that technological advances offer her patients. She is dedicated to finding the right solution for each patient and her passion for helping the hearing-impaired is evident to all who meet her.

Leah Guempel, AuD
Doctor of Audiology

Leah Guempel, Au.D., CCC-A
Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Leah Guempel received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Disorders in 2007 and her doctorate from the University of Texas in 2010. While in graduate school, Dr. Guempel was named outstanding first year graduate student in Audiology and Sertoma outstanding graduate student in Audiology.

Dr. Guempel met the Cooks while on one of the several clinical rotations she completed throughout Austin during her studies (including rotations at Dell Children's Hospital and an ENT practice). Dr. Guempel began her work with Cook Hearing & Balance as a student clinician, and after completing her 4th year rotation, worked as a Doctor of Audiology in both the Austin and Cedar Park locations. This year, Dr. Guempel became the audiologist for the newly opened Cook Hearing & Balance office in San Marcos.

Dr. Guempel is licensed to practice Audiology in the State of Texas. She is a Fellow of the American Academy (AAA) and holds a certificate of clinical competence in Audiology from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA). Dr. Guempel has a passion for hearing awareness. She enjoys her field of practice and hopes to inform and educate the community about the importance of early detection and the use of hearing protection.