Our Practice
We have 40 years of experience empowering people by giving them a deeper understanding of their hearing loss and guiding them through an individualized, rehabilitative treatment plan.
With the right device, adjustments, and ongoing care, the effects of hearing loss can be reduced or even reversed. On the other hand, the wrong device, or inattentive care, can actually make hearing loss worse.
That’s why our full-spectrum care supports our patients from a free initial evaluation all the way through caring for their devices and ears. Our level of attention and care is unique in our industry, and we know you will hear the difference.
Meet Our Team
Timothy B. Smith, HAS, BC-HIS
Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, & Navarre Offices
In 2005, Tim Smith became a part of the family business and joined the Gulf Coast Hearing Centers team.
Through many hours of study and an internship, Tim became a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist in July 2006. He received his National Board Certification in July 2015.
He was raised in Panama City and attended Gulf Coast State College. He is married to Erika Dame Smith and they have three children.
Brandon Porter, HAS
Pensacola and Gulf Breeze Offices
Brandon K. Porter is a licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist.
His mission is to reconnect people through the gift of hearing while offering an advanced educational approach and practicing with the utmost level of integrity.
Brandon studied at Phoenix University. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in business with an additional emphasis in the specialty of hearing instrument practice and education. He is a current member of the International Hearing Society and is a member of the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals (FSHHP).
He started working in the hearing aid industry in 2008. He has over 14 years of hands on experience. He has successfully treated some of the most severe cases of hearing loss using cutting-edge state of the art technology while collaborating with the most experienced professionals in the industry. Brandon has a reputation for implementing his successful treatment techniques even where others have previously fallen short.
Brandon moved to Gulf Breeze Florida in 2013 where he worked diligently to build and grow two successful practices in Crestview and Fort Walton Beach.
Brandon has recently partnered with Gulf Coast Hearing Center which has been offering outstanding patient care on the emerald coast for over 40 years. Brandon is very excited to bring quality hearing aid service and care to Pensacola Florida and surrounding areas.
Brandon was drawn to the profession because it presents a unique opportunity to reconnect people with one another. What he loves the most about treating hearing loss is having the privilege to actually get to see that you are making a difference in the lives of so many. He is able to do this by bringing them out of a quiet dark world and introducing them back into the light through quality hearing.
Having the ability to reconnect people to their loved ones is life changing not only for his patients but also for Brandon. His focus is to be continually learning, growing and evolving. He does so by making continued education a priority, in order to perform at the highest level in the industry.
Through this studies he possess the knowledge, skills and ability to help people in the way that they deserve.
Outside of his practice, Brandon enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family, he also enjoys hobbies such as playing guitar, piano, drums, fishing, golfing, and paddle boarding.
James (Jim) W. Dame, HAS, BC-HIS
Panama City and Niceville Offices
Jim, a Florida native, graduated from Florida State University in 1973 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Business, specializing in banking and finance.
He then went on to serve as a missionary and work for several years in banking.
In the spring of 1982, he entered the hearing aid industry through the urgings of a family member and has been heavily involved ever since.
In 1991, Jim became certified through the National Board Certification for Hearing Instrument Sciences. Over the years, he has attended hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay abreast of the latest in hearing aid technology.
Jim served on Hearing Centers of America’s Advisory Board for two years, and served for seven years as Director of District One for the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals, Inc. Jim is also a member of the Panama City Lions Club and is a past-president.
Jim is also a member of the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and the International Hearing Society.
Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, six children, and sixteen grandchildren; serving his church; golf; and gardening.
Leslie A. Smith, HAS, BC-HIS
Niceville and Panama City Offices
Leslie A. Smith is a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist and is Board Certified in Hearing Instrument
Sciences. Leslie is a member of the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals and the
International Hearing Society.
She began working in the Panama City office in 2008 and has 14 years hands on experience with treating hearing loss with hearing aids. Leslie also holds clinic hours at the Niceville (Blue Water Bay) location.
Leslie was raised in Panama City, FL and graduated from Mosley High School. She attended Gulf Coast State College and Florida State University.
Leslie has always had a passion for helping others. When she chose this as her career path, she was no stranger to the industry. She was introduced to it by her parents Jim and Laura Dame who are true hearing healthcare advocates. They have been at it for 40 years and counting!
The hearing industry is special to her because she loves having an active role in helping people to reconnect with friends and family. It is gratifying to Leslie when patients report back to her that they can live a more socially active lifestyle after being fit with hearing aids. She finds that her patients can communicate more effortlessly and as a result have a better quality of life.
Outside of her practice, Leslie treasures her time with family. She is married with two beautiful daughters. She enjoys nice long runs with her dogs then slowing down to relax and enjoy a good book. Like any true Floridian, she enjoys their family trips to Walt Disney World!
Brooke Gentile, HAS, BC-HIS
Marco Island
As a highly trained Board Certified Hearing Aid Specialist, my goal is simple: to provide solutions that fit your unique lifestyle and needs. I emphasize a compassionate and patient friendly approach to help all those with hearing loss.
I am dedicated to my patients and committed to helping people enjoy life again through better hearing. I believe that each patient should be treated like family and deserves the utmost standard of care.
I am a Florida native and graduated with honors from the University of Florida in 2006 (Go Gators!) and became certified through the National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument Sciences in 2008. I am also a member of the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals. I have over 16 years of experience working in Marco Island and look forward to many more!
Melanie Porter, MS
Practice Manager
Melanie is the Practice Manager at Integrity Hearing Associates and current acting Patient Care Coordinator in the Pensacola Clinic.
In 2013, she graduated with honors from Phoenix University holding a Master’s Degree in Psychology. Shortly thereafter began her career in the hearing industry.
Melanie is an advocate for better hearing and has a passion for helping other people. She has found that in the hearing industry she has the opportunity to help someone every single day, multiple times a day. The patient journey is very important to her and with Gulf Coast Hearing Center, the patient is always the top priority.
In her spare time, Melanie can be found at the beach, spending time with her husband, tackling creative home projects, and spending quality time with family & friends.
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