Hearing Unlimited, Inc. - Harmarville

Janis Forsythe has been helping people hear better for over 22 years. She's  been licensed in the state of Pennsylvania since 1999 and has experience working in a variety of independent practices. Janis’s passion for helping people who struggle with hearing loss stems from her father's and grandfather's own struggles. She knows how hearing loss can affect the dynamics of an entire family. Jan strives to provide the experience of the gift of hearing to those struggling, and to improve their quality of life. Hearing Unlimited has provided her the opportunity to follow her dreams and continue her passions.

Dr. Lacy Smiesko attended Penn State University for her undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Shortly after, she attended graduate school in Dallas, TX, earning her Doctor of Chiropractic. She has been working in healthcare since 2009. Her most recent experience ranges from the Dallas VA Hospital to private practices in Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Smiesko enjoys working with patients of all ages. Her primary interests include diagnostic testing, tinnitus relief, hearing protection, and assistive listening technology.

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In 2022, a client introduced Dr. Smiesko to Hearing Unlimited. While shadowing, she learned that treating hearing loss could help prevent cognitive decline. She is an advocate for prevention and was eager to join the team as an Audiology Apprentice. Since then, Dr. Smiesko completed her Hearing Instrument Specialist certification and continues to study best practices to prevent cognitive decline. She loves educating her patients on the importance of treating hearing loss early for the best outcomes.

In her free time, Dr. Smiesko enjoys going on dates with her husband, playing bingo, golfing, and visiting family in Florida. She is also a veterinary chiropractor and has helped many animals with chiropractic therapy. She has always loved helping people and pets.

Dr. Stacy Malavite earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Bowling Green State University and a Doctorate of Audiology degree from Central Michigan University. Dr. Malavite joined Hearing Unlimited in 2014 bringing with her over 13 years’ experience in the hearing industry.  She is the Clinical Director at Hearing Unlimited utilizing her expertise to help provide the best solutions to her patients.  She is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology and maintains her Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Dr. Malavite’s clinical interests include diagnostic hearing assessment, hearing aid fitting and follow-up appointments to ensure complete satisfaction.

When she is not working, you will find Dr. Malavite watching her sons at their football games, basketball games, band concerts or playing with her daughter.   

Christopher M. Eckert is a highly-experienced senior audiologist who has been helping people improve their hearing and their lives for over 22 years. He has extensive experience at practices such as the VA Clinic, ENT clinics, and other private clinic environments. It is his love of sound and his passion for helping individuals and families that led him to join Hearing Unlimited. Here, he takes pride in the patient-focused culture and personal care the office and staff provide. Christopher is a committed member of several local and national hearing associations and organizations. As a licensed audiologist and member of the Hearing Loss Association of Pittsburgh, Christopher has provided many self-care and educational programs centered on the importance of hearing health. He has given many self-help and educational hearing presentations to the Hearing Loss Association of Western Pennsylvania (HLAP), as well as actively served on the board. This involvement has deepened Christopher’s knowledge of his patients’ everyday hearing struggles and has encouraged him to incorporate this knowledge into helping every Hearing Unlimited patient. He loves helping people learn how to preserve their hearing and helping those with hearing loss improve their hearing. When he's not working, Christopher enjoys reading and spending time with his family.

Matt earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. During his studies he worked at an assisted living facility gaining experience in patient care. After he earned his degree, he spent time in various sales positions in Pennsylvania and Colorado before he came back to Pittsburgh to join the Hearing Unlimited team.

Matt came to the field of audiology because of his close relationships with family members who have dementia. He wants to help others prevent a dementia diagnosis for as long as possible. Working with patients and keeping them connected with their families and friends is the ultimate fulfillment for Matt. He enjoys getting to know each patient and their families and he does his best to ensure hearing aids are in the best working condition for each patient.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys the outdoors, kayaking in the summer, snowboarding in the winter, watching sports, and cheering on all the Pittsburgh teams.

Erik is a Speech Language Pathologist working in the geriatric field for over 25 years. He is focused on helping the elderly communicate effectively following a medical crisis. Erik has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology with a Certificate of Clinical Competency (CCC) from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA).

Erik left the field of Speech Pathology because he wasn’t able to properly help his patients due to insurance restrictions. At Hearing Unlimited, he is now able to spend the time he needs with each patient to assure their best result. Erik has always wanted to help people communicate effectively and he enjoys being able to help people with hearing deficits communicate with their loved ones.

Outside of work, Erik enjoys playing with his dogs, reading mystery novels, and playing stimulating brain games.