Gulf Coast Hearing Centers - Fort Walton Beach
Clinic staff

Timothy Smith
Tim Smith has been dispensing hearing aids as a licensed Hearing Aid Specialist since 2006. He was raised in Panama City and has attended Gulf Coast Community College. He is married to Erika Dame Smith and they have three children. When he isn't helping people hear better, he is the Baseball Commissioner of Tiger Point Sports Association. His interests include coaching his children in baseball, spending time with his family and riding his motorcycle.

Julee Zornes
Dr. Julee Zornes joined our team in November 2017 with 6 years experience working in the area. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) and her Bachelors Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of South Alabama in Mobile. Dr. Zornes is nationally certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association, with Certification of Clinical Competency (CCC-A) and is also a member of the Florida Academy of Audiology. She grew up in a military family, but considers the Mississippi Gulf Coast home. When not working in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two very active young sons.
James Dame
Jim Dame is a Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist and the Owner of Gulf Coast Hearing Center. He has been helping people hearing better for over three decades. He belongs to the Florida Society of Hearing Healthcare Professionals, Inc. and the International Hearing Society.

Mallory Garner
Mallory Garner is the Office Manager at Gulf Coast Hearing Center in Fort Walton Beach. She graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2008 and moved to Florida in 2017 after tying the knot with her sweetheart. She loves people and chocolate.
Clinic reviews
Healthy Hearing posts all positive and negative reviews that meet publishing criteria.Read 67 verified patient reviews for Gulf Coast Hearing Centers - Fort Walton Beach! Their average review score is 4.94 () from 67 reviews.
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“Dr. Smith and staff went out of their way to help me with hearing aid problem even though I wasn't already a customer. His knowledge and quick repair will certainly keep as a customer for future needs. His recommendation for fast dehumidification has already improved both my BTE aid and also my Baha! Thanks Dr. Smith. ”
09/27/2019 Review received via mail
“I liked the way Timothy explains everything. Great personality and knowledge of what he's doing. Made it easy for me to understand. ”
09/27/2019 Review received via mail
“Tim is professional, friendly and very knowledgeable and I like him personally. I think the receptionist is very friendly. I liked the whole experience. ”
09/19/2019 Review received via mail
“I liked everything, receptionist, smile. ”
08/23/2019 Review received via mail
“They were very professional and courteous. We had a very helpful and profitable experience and I can hear well again!”
07/15/2019 Review received via mail
“I was highly impressed with the caring and professional service I received from Julee this past Mon. 20 May 2019. I would recommend her for hearing assistance. ”
06/03/2019 Review received via mail
“Tim Smith has been extremely helpful and friendly. His office staff seems organized and helpful. Would recommend him highly to anyone in need of hearing aids. ”
05/06/2019 Review received via mail
“My experience was excellent! Julee was very friendly and efficient. She quickly handled my request. She went the extra mile and volunteered to clean my equipment. I am impressed! Thanks for the great service. ”
04/30/2019 Review received via mail
“She is tops in our book, from the first time we met her until almost a year later. She helped us at no cost the last time we went to her office in Florida. We moved here, had a need and she stepped in! Now my husband sees her regularly and they just begun. She is efficient, knowledgeable, talented, kind, compassionate and full of understanding. We find her to be such a gift to us! Fought to get her on VA! Absolutely do it!!”
04/30/2019 Review received via mail
“From the time I walked in to the last visit I was happy. Doctor and office folks were great. The first time I've spent money and never questioned my decision. I'll never go anywhere else. Thanks guys! ”
04/08/2019 Review received via mail
“Stopped for hearing aid repair. No problem getting an appointment. Both receptionist and audiologist were very friendly and helpful. Recommend "highly"! ”
02/27/2019 Review received via mail
“Julee was very friendly and very knowledgeable! She knows all about the human ear and hearing. I learned all about how incredibly precious our hearing is and will encourage my aging siblings and friends to get a hearing test and if hearing aids are needed, they need to spend the $ - best investment ever! ”
02/12/2019 Review received via mail
“Sarah has been so very helpful this morning. Spent time figuring out the problem and solved it in no time. So appreciated! ”
02/08/2019 Review received via mail
“Excellent experience. Staff was great and took care of my problem immediately. I highly recommend them to anyone. I definitely always use them in the future. ”
12/20/2018 Review received via mail
“Julee is the best!”
12/06/2018 Review received via mail
“Excellent. Beyond my expectations. Immediate fix and much less expensive than expected! Highly recommend!!”
11/09/2018 Review received via mail
“A young audiologist Tim Smith helped me and did a very thorough job and made a huge difference in my hearing. ”
10/29/2018 Review received via mail
“Front desk (Sara) was very helpful. Great attitude and it helps she knows a little sign language. Great first impression. ”
10/19/2018 Review received via mail
“Julie, the audiologist, was amazing. Allan is special needs and Julie took her time getting to know Allan and listening to my concerns and explaining the process to both of us. The ladies at the front desk were very kind and professional. I will definitely recommend this company to all of our friends! Thank you so much!!”
10/01/2018 Review received via mail
“Tim is very friendly and works on improving my hearing. ”
09/19/2018 Review received via mail
“At first, I was very impressed, but as time went on and problems kept happening over and over I could see the annoyance. Finally got a streamer that finally worked. I was ok with it for a while, but it was very heavy around my neck and actually ugly. It didn't really help anyway. The hearing aids left a lot to be desired, but after 8k you aren't just going to go out and get new ones. I wore/ wear these substandard hearing aids because I have no choice. I went for my next to last check and the receptionist took them back and 5 minutes later she brought them back. Tim was in the lobby talking to another client. I thought I had an appointment with him for evaluation and calibrating stuff. I got this every time I went in to see MJ, my prior hearing specialist. My hearing aids were run through the dryer at least three times and MJ went with her stethoscope thing and checked for feedback. Then we went to the office where she did any adjustments I needed. Then I was set up for 3 months later. The same process was done every time. No charge. The next to the last time I was totally put off by being ignored and wasting my time for a lousy 5 minutes if that. My "expensive" dryer does that. I am set up for 4 months. I thought well this would not happen again surely. Boy was I mistaken. The lady took my aids and was back in two minutes and said they were charging $20 a visit. I told her I am not paying you that today. I was never told. I didn't even see Tim and she asked if I was having issues. She told me, "oh we won't charge you this time, but will next time." "Do you want to make your appointment?" I was in shock. You got to be kidding me. I drive 40 minutes for a two minute worthless whatever they do and they have the audacity to want to charge $20 for it!!!!!! I HATE these hearing aids. They are the absolute worst. I don't even wear that ugly gray, huge, heavy streamer. Worthless anyway when I can't hear out the aids. I told her to shred my records I would not be back. That is horrible service if they want return business. Not mine. I won't recommend either. I am disgusted.”
09/04/2018 Review submitted online
Received 09/12/2018Official Response from Gulf Coast Hearing Centers - Fort Walton Beach:“Brenda, I'm very sorry that you feel that way. I always take the time to help every patient. If you were having issues, I simply just need to know about it and I can try my best to help. I feel that I have bent over backwards to help you over and over again. You've been a patient of ours for over 4 years and I have enjoyed getting to know you and your husband. Again, I'm sorry that you feel that way and apologize for any grief that we/I may have caused you. I'm still willing to take care of your hearing needs. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Tim Smith ”
“I am especially impressed with Dr. Julie Zornes and, in fact, came to GCHC because of her. Very professional, caring and dedicated. ”
08/28/2018 Review received via mail
“Julee Zanos has always given me courteous, good service. She is knowledgeable and helpful. She is a keeper! ”
08/22/2018 Review received via mail
“Happy faces, friendly service, highly recommended. ”
08/16/2018 Review received via mail
“I had a very pleasant experience. Tim took all the time I needed to understand about the hearing aid. All in all, excellent says it all. ”
08/16/2018 Review received via mail
“My experience was great!”
08/09/2018 Review received via mail
“The professional ongoing care received by Tim and Mallory are outstanding. They treat you like family. They are both in my heart and appreciated more than they will ever know! ”
08/08/2018 Review received via mail
“Tim is very kind and considerate. He has always been very helpful. He goes over and beyond to make sure his patients are cared for promptly. The office staff is friendly and cordial. ”
08/08/2018 Review received via mail
“Tim is the best knowledgeable, caring professional. ”
08/07/2018 Review received via mail
“I liked the no wait, patience with elderly patient, did not hurt, friendly and courteous staff. Can't say enough good things about this facility. ”
08/01/2018 Review received via mail
“He always makes me feel comfortable and he really cares. ”
07/26/2018 Review received via mail
“Very professional, caring and friendly people. I have two new hearing aids that I like a lot, hearing everything. ”
07/18/2018 Review received via mail
“Had a wonderful experience at Gulf Coast Hearing Center. Very caring, compassionate people. Looking forward to our next visit in two weeks. ”
07/06/2018 Review received via mail
“Superb treatment, great product also. ”
03/15/2018 Review received via mail
“I liked the friendly, professional personnel. ”
03/14/2018 Review received via mail
“Good service, courteous. ”
03/13/2018 Review received via mail
“Pleasant and helpful with everything. ”
03/06/2018 Review received via mail
“Everybody so helpful and friendly. Always enjoy my visits. ”
02/22/2018 Review received via mail
“I liked the courteousness best. ”
01/26/2018 Review received via mail
“I liked the personal service, professionalism, friendliness, knowledge of receptionist and assistant. Dr. Tim, helpful, treats patients as special! Great! Extremely conscientious. ”
01/26/2018 Review received via mail
“Very friendly and professional. Wait time was excellent, no wait. Definitely recommend to others. Definitely will be back. ”
01/25/2018 Review received via mail
“Jim is so personable as well as his receptionist. They do all they can to try and help me. I really appreciate GC Hearing Center in Fort Walton, FL. ”
01/18/2018 Review received via mail
“Friendly, personal service. ”
11/27/2017 Review received via mail
“I liked Jim's smiling face and friendly service. Keep doing what you're doing. ”
11/22/2017 Review received via mail
“I liked the relaxed setting. Tim Smith has an outgoing personality and does not mind answering questions and taking time with his patients! Does a great job.”
11/20/2017 Review received via mail
“I liked the thorough explanation on my hearing aids. ”
11/20/2017 Review received via mail
“Prompt,courteous, knowledgeable and always has a smile! ”
08/02/2017 Review received via mail
“I appreciated the welcome, education, and no pressure by Tim Smith and his staff. I had visited other hearing offices, but knew very soon that Tim was the one to work with for my new Oticons. He has continued to make sure I am comfortable and happy with my choice. ”
06/22/2016 Review submitted online
“Tim Smith is very knowledgeable, professional and goes "above and beyond" to provide exceptional service. Very highly recommended!!”
04/05/2016 Review received via mail
“I appreciated the friendliness, thoroughness and timeliness! I'm very pleased with the overall results since getting my first hearing aids.”
02/02/2016 Review received via mail
“The care I received and the proficiency of Timothy Smith is what I liked best. ”
01/15/2016 Review received via mail
“I appreciate the nice way I was treated. I will recommend Gulf Coast Hearing Centers to all my family and friends. Thank you for everything. Love my new hearing aids. ”
12/16/2015 Review received via mail
“I like how they just talk to you like normal people. They don't talk to you like a doctor.”
09/23/2015 Review verified by phone
“I appreciated his thorough knowledge.”
09/16/2015 Review verified by phone
“Very attentive and pleasant staff.”
08/18/2015 Review received via mail
“Excellent service.”
07/30/2015 Review received via mail
“Tim was a total professional and dealing with him was a great deal. ”
07/29/2015 Review received via mail
“I appreciated the care and time spent exploring everything to me. I will never forget the caring attitude of Tim Smith! And would recommend him to anyone needing this service!”
07/29/2015 Review received via mail
“Excelent service and cost.”
07/28/2015 Review received via mail
“I liked the service. They're nice and polite. ”
07/26/2015 Review received via mail
“Friendly atmosphere — excellent workmanship. ”
07/26/2015 Review received via mail
“Superb! Tim knows his stuff and will go the extra mile to ensure that your hearing aids work properly. He has become my go-to person for all hearing-related concerns.”
03/05/2015 Review submitted online
“He was very personable and provided a lot of information and explained everything very well.”
10/26/2014 Review verified by phone
“Mr. T Smith and his staff are always willing to help! I was never rushed... Mr. Smith listened to what I had to say. Mr. Smith and Miss Erika are a credit to their profession. ”
09/25/2014 Review received via mail
“Outstanding patient interest and patient care.”
09/25/2014 Review received via mail
“The staff was very courteous and it was a quick service.”
07/06/2013 Review verified by phone
“They were nice to me”
08/03/2012 Review verified by phone
Clinic details
About this hearing center
At Gulf Coast Hearing Centers, helping you hear better is our top priority. We value the trust that our patients place in us and enjoy a reputation of honesty and integrity. We have helped the people of of Bay County and the surrounding areas hear better since 1982. We hope that you will give us the opportunity to serve you and your loved ones.
We work in full cooperation with your physician and as a full-service hearing aid dispensary, we feature the latest digital hearing aids from Oticon and all other major brands. We also carry a complete line of accessories and assistive listening devices to make life more enjoyable.
We have three locations to serve you better:
Gulf Coast Hearing Centers – Panama City 2232 Saint Andrews Blvd Panama City, FL 32405
Gulf Coast Hearing Centers – Fort Walton Beach 906 Mar Walt Dr Fort Walton Beach FL, 32547
Gulf Coast Hearing Centers – Niceville 4400 Florida 20 E, Suite 211 Niceville, FL 32578
Call today for your free hearing test and begin your journey to better hearing.
Hearing care services
Gulf Coast Hearing Centers offer a full range of hearing services, including:
- Hearing testing and audiometry
- Ear impressions
- Hearing aid sales and fittings – all styles and technology levels
- 30 day hearing aid trials
- Hearing aid education and counseling
- Hearing aid services: cleaning, checking, maintenance, repairs, accessories
Hours of operation
Monday | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm by appointment |
Tuesday | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm by appointment |
Wednesday | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm by appointment |
Thursday | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm by appointment |
Friday | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm by appointment |
Clinic links
Accepted forms of payment
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Cash
- Check
- Debit
- Financing available for those who qualify
- Insurance accepted, please call for details