Dr. Mary Lou Carlson has been a clinical and dispensing audiologist for over 30 years. She is the owner and director of Wilks Hearing Center Inc.
Dr. Carlson received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the Arizona School of Health Sciences. She is a member of the American Speech and Hearing Association and the American Academy of Audiology. She is a board certified through the American Board of Audiology.
Dr. Carlson is passionate about helping her patients hear their absolute best. She is well versed in a variety of testing techniques as well as all phases of digital hearing aid fittings.
Deena Kafka, AuD
Audiologist
Dr. Kafka received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the Long Island Consortium of Hofstra, Adelphi, and St. John’s University. She completed her clinical internship and residency at a variety of well respected private audiology practices where she received extensive training in diagnostic evaluations, hearing aid evaluations, and hearing aid fittings.
“Dr. Carlson, and staff, are very friendly, knowledgeable, very helpful in all steps
involved in obtaining hearing aids.
As a longtime hearing aid user I would highly recommend Wilks for hearing care. ”
James B. of Brooklyn, NY 03/31/2026 Review submitted online
“Prompt, courteous, knowledgeable
Dr. Carlson took the time to address my concerns and make sure that I left completely satisfied ”
Helene B. of Far Rockaway, NY 01/24/2024 Review submitted online
“Dr. Kafka took the time to answer all my questions and explained the exam and the tests I took in detail. Felt good about the visit and will recommend Dr. Kafka to others. Thank you for a good experience. ”
Ira G. of Hewlett, NY 12/26/2023 Review submitted online
“I ( Retired FDNY) just had a great shopping experience . I was in the market for a Hearing Aid. I shopped around and found Wilks Hearing Center. I made an appointment and was very happy I did. Dr Kafka was very professional and very informative. All in one visit I was tested, advised and walked out with a great pair of Hearing Aids. I Highly recommend Wilks Hearing Center.”
Thomas O. of Rockaway Park, NY 10/27/2023 Review submitted online
“As always, Peggy greeted me with a smile & was eager to assist me. MaryLou was out but the person who helped me was absolutely wonderful & phoned MaryLou with her questions. I have been a patient here for several years, & I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather go for my hearing care. They are truly the best of the best & I highly recommend their service..believe me, I e been to enough to compare….there is NO comparison ”
Benjamin B. of Cedarhurst, NY 06/28/2023 Review submitted online
“We have been using Wilks Hearing Center for many years. They are caring, trustworthy and very professional.
Dr. Carlson is tops in her field and knows what is best for each patient. Whether it's a child, an adult or a senior citizen she is the go to person.
Peggy, at the front desk, always has a smile on her face and greets each everyone with a warm and friendly hello.
And Barbara greets everyone as though she’s their best friend.
I feel like I’m with family when I have an appointment.
We wouldn't go anywhere else!!”
Carol K. of Cedarhurst, NY 05/11/2023 Review submitted online
“Dr Carlson is very professional and easy to talk to. She makes u feel comfortable.”
Marina M. of Valley Stream, NY 05/09/2023 Review submitted online
“Professional, Friendly And Efficient Staff.
I have been a client for many years.
I highly recommend Wilks Hearing Center.”
Michael S. of Valley Stream, NY 11/01/2022 Review submitted online
“As always Wilks provides total care in a friendly environment. The staff are wonderful especially Peggy. The physicians are exceptionally kind and professional. We have only gone to this office for this for 30+ years. I
highly recommend Wilks for all of your needs. All I can say is going there is like coming home. ”
Nancy T. of Breezy Point, NY 10/18/2022 Review submitted online
“My first time and I was very pleased with the friendliness of the staff and my wait time was no more then 10 minutes. The service was excellent. ”
Carmen R. of Far Rockaway, NY 09/19/2022 Review submitted online
“I've been using Wilks Hearing Center for about 40 years. The reason why is simple. Excellent staff, excellent service and they stand behind the products they sell. Why would I want to go anyplace else?”
Jon G. of Oceanside, NY 08/19/2022 Review submitted online
“I feel very comfortable visiting this office in Lawrence. Peggy has such a welcoming voice when answering the phones. Whenever I have a visit with Dr. Mary Lou she is quite pleasant and understand your needs. Very gracious in helping you to sanitize your hearing aid.
The office is very professional.
”
Valerie W. of Far Rockaway, NY 06/07/2022 Review submitted online
“Dr. Carlson and staff were very professional and caring. I look forward to being part of the world again with my new hearing aids. ”
Bert L. of Oceanside, NY 04/26/2022 Review submitted online
“From the moment I made my appointment, I was certain this would be a positive experience for me. Peggy answered the call in a friendly voice and was clear about offering directions to the office and parking. When I arrived, she was pleasant, welcoming and conversational. I was shown to the examination room within a few minutes and Dr. Carlson made me feel comfortable immediately. She was thorough and explained the results of my tests immediately. I am looking forward to my yearly appointments with this team. A+ experience for me!!”
Bernadette W. of Rockaway Park, NY 04/19/2022 Review submitted online
“Always leave with my hearing problem solve. Excellent and caring service. Thank you”
helene b. of Far Rockaway, NY 03/29/2022 Review submitted online
“Did a walk in today at Wilks Hearing just to make sure my hearing aids were in working condition before my warranty expired. As always I was greeted warmly the staff is always friendly and professional. Dr. Carlson gave me a few tips on my app which I’m sure will be very helpful. Always a pleasure to visit the office.”
Rita F. of Rockaway Park, NY 02/24/2022 Review submitted online
“The doctor was very nice from the time I walked in The office was bright and clean and I was met by Dr. Carlson listen to my concerns asked me many questions about my hearing and health she put me through many tests for my hearing and at the end she gave me my results and explained all my options and answered My questions I felt very comfortable going there and I would definitely recommend Dr. Mary Lou Carlson.
”
Mike K. of Farmingdale, NY 02/18/2022 Review submitted online
“I've been using Wilks Hearing for over 30 years and have always received excellent care and service. My appointments were held on time and never rushed. Time was taken to ensure that hearing aid fittings were perfect and all my questions were answered. Should I have an issue Dr. Carlson always stands ready to fit me in that day.”
Jon G. of Oceanside, NY 01/14/2022 Review submitted online
“Excellent Service. Audiologist who saw me spent a lot of time with me and really worked diligently to give me the best possible adjustment to my hearing aids. I was very impressed and would highly recommend Wilkes Hearing Center. ”
Daniel L. of Far Rockaway, NY 11/29/2021 Review submitted online
“ Very thorough test and vey friendly audiologist.”
Aaron B. of Lawrence, NY 10/25/2021 Review submitted online
“I can always count on any problem being taken care of quickly .
Enjoying my new hearing aids. ”
Joan R. of Woodmere, NY 10/20/2021 Review submitted online
“Wilks is top notch. From the office staff to Dr. Jennifer and Dr. Mary Lou, there's no place else I would consider for audiological services! ”
Alison H. of Rockaway Park, NY 04/09/2021 Review submitted online
“Wills Hearing Center made everything easy. I was able to get an appointment right away, and Dr. Mary Lou was wonderful in her examination and explanation of my issues. And their Covid protocols were excellent!
Thank you Wills!”
Barbara H. of Hewlett, NY 03/13/2021 Review submitted online
“It is ALWAYS a pleasure to visit Wilks. From the receptionist to Dr. Carlson it never changes. They are awesome people and always make me feel like I’m at my friends home. Best of all Dr. Carlson brought me the ability to hear properly after so many years of struggling, and embarrassment.
”
Awilda C. of Far Rockaway, NY 03/10/2021 Review submitted online
Janet K. of Lawrence, NY 03/09/2021 Review submitted online
“Everyone was friendly, patient and helpful and willing to go the extra mile to do it right. Highly recommended ”
Daniel L. of Far Rockaway, NY 12/18/2020 Review submitted online
“I and my husband have been coming to Wilks Hearing Center for many years. The Staff is always helpful and pleasant. Great at trouble shooting any issues I have had.”
susan k. of Long Beach, NY 10/16/2020 Review submitted online
“Between my children and myself, we have been patients for over thirty years. I know that I have always received the best, professional and comprehensive treatment. Everyone in the office is like a part of the family.”
Paul S. of Long Beach, NY 09/18/2020 Review submitted online
“My appointment with Dr. Carlson was excellent, a true professional, honest, and a caring person.
”
Robert J. of Breezy Point, NY 09/17/2020 Review submitted online
“I've tried many places and what impressed me about Wilks is their years of experience. When dealing with setting up and adjusting hearing aids this is very important. One of the best experiences. They're friendly and very helpful. They answered all my questions and concerns. A+ on customer service.”
Angel G. of Arverne, NY 01/09/2020 Review submitted online
“ I have been with Wilks Hearing for the past THIRTY-FIVE+years. I have gone through many hearing aids in this span of time. Dr Wilks and now Dr Carlson have been extremely helpful, knowledgeable and kind. I have just been fitted with an updated, sophisticated pair of Oticons . Dr Carlson said that this new technology is worth a try. How right she is! I can now hear subtle nuances in music which have been gone for many years. Thank you for your loving care.”
Ramon M. of Lynbrook, NY 01/06/2020 Review submitted online
“All my experiences with Wilks Hearing Centre and Dr. Carlson have been very positive. Every effort is made to diagnose hearing loss and prescribe the proper device. They follow up and take care of all problems. All of the staff is friendly, competent and responsive. Definitely recommend.”
Alice W. of Rockville Centre, NY 12/20/2019 Review submitted online
“I am extremely pleased. Very personalized service. Dr. Mary Lou Carlson gave me lots of time and made me feel very comfortable. I was taken on time. Peggy at the front desk was very friendly and helpful. Most importantly, I received a very thorough exam, and the adjustments made, were great. Could not have had a better experience.”
Joshua K. 12/19/2019 Review submitted online
“I have been very satisfied with the care and treatment I have received at Wilks Hearing Center. The staff is competent, friendly and knowledgeable. They are patient and explain everything to assure understanding. I highly recommend them.”
Phyllis S. of Oceanside, NY 09/25/2018 Review submitted online
“I was treated with complete honesty. They could have sold me an expensive device which
would have been of no value but they didn't”
grace w. of Hewlett, NY 06/13/2018 Review submitted online
“Visits to Wilks Hearing Center are always great. The staff is always a pleasure to work with. Couldn't be more satisfied.”
Rita F. of Rockaway Park, NY 02/07/2018 Review submitted online
“Everyone is professional, caring and pleasant. Honest and very concerned. If you need a hearing aid, Wilks Hearing Center is the place”
Carmen V. of Far Rockaway, NY 02/01/2018 Review submitted online
“My family has been with Wilks hearing for close to thirty years. All the people there are the most caring and professional. Can't stress how wonderful the members of the Wilks office are in providing the best in service and devices along with concern for the individual and families that they serve.”
Paul S. of Long Beach, NY 10/16/2017 Review submitted online
“Been traveling to Wilks Hearing Center from Queens for many years. Great service from all the staff. Wouldn't want to go anywhere else.”
Kenneth M. of Flushing, NY 08/22/2017 Review submitted online
“Honest, professional & caring is the bottom line that comes to mind when I think of Dr. Stuart Wilkes and the audiologists at his hearing center. I expected him to be expert when I went there for a hearing test, but he went way beyond that.
Not only was he thorough and professional but his honesty was a pleasant surprise. You would expect that since he sells hearing aids that you would be given a hard pitch. But he did not even try to sell me anything. Of course Wilks caries a fine selection brand new top name-brand aids and would be an excellent choice to buy from - especially since he was patient and would make sure they were programmed precisely for the user's needs. Even the best hearing aids are defendant on the quality of the audiologists programming.
But what truly sets him above his competitors in my mind is Dr. Wilks' honesty and consideration for his patients. I had heard from several of my retired friends on low incomes who had gone there with their older hearing aids that he not only told them that what they had was sufficient, but he cleaned their aids at no charge. In my opinion, if you need an audiologist or hearing aid, you can't do better than the Wilks Hearing Center!”
Les D. of Cedarhurst, NY 08/22/2017 Review submitted online
“Excellent staff. Great experience from start to finish!”
Ann M. of Atlantic Beach, NY 07/28/2017 Review submitted online
“Top staff. Excellent service. Super helpful knowledgeable”
Marty S. of Far Rockaway, NY 07/13/2017 Review submitted online
“Staff was friendly and competent. Dr Wilks was very patient, understanding, knowledgable and helpful!”
GEORGE C. 07/11/2017 Review submitted online
“Wonderful staff. Very pleasant ”
Carmen V. of Far Rockaway, NY 07/07/2017 Review submitted online
“The care that I received at Wilks Hearing Center was exceptional. They were patient and educated me on various options and the benefits of each device. They allowed me to have a loaner to try out prior to purchasing the device which was wonderful. Followup appointments were well scheduled and adjustments were made until I was totally satisfied. I give them my highest recommendation.”
Phyllis S. of Oceanside, NY 04/06/2017 Review submitted online
“She was lovely, very patient with my daughter, engaged with her and really took her time. ”
Joshua G. of Lawrence, NY 07/22/2015 Review verified by phone
“They were very thorough. ”
William A. of Stroudsburg, PA 12/23/2014 Review verified by phone
“Just that she was very nice and listened to all my questions, and explained everything very clearly. It was a good experience. ”
Leah S. of New York, NY 12/05/2014 Review verified by phone
“She was professional and friendly to me. ”
Elijah F. of Floral Park, NY 08/07/2014 Review verified by phone
“She was professional at all times.”
Norman P. of Garden City, NY 12/29/2013 Review verified by phone
“It was good.”
John D. of Springfield Gardens, NY 12/12/2013 Review verified by phone
The staff at Wilks Hearing Center prides themselves on giving each person who comes through our doors the care and service that they need and deserve. Each person's needs are different - there is no cookie cutter approach here! Our audiologists are licensed by the state of New York, certified by the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association and knowledgeable in the latest developments and technology in hearing aids and devices. Our advanced training and experience will help you make the choices the best suit your individual hearing goals.
Better hearing starts with us!
Photos
Hearing care services
Our services include:
Hearing evaluations
Immitance testing
Otoacoustic emissions testing
Tinnitus help
Hearing aid evaluations
Custom hearing aid fittings
Computerized hearing aid fittings
Real Ear measurements
Hearing aid accessories
Servicing of most hearing aid makes and models
Hearing aid batteries and wax guards
Custom hearing protection
Custom swim molds
Amenities
Free coffee
Free WiFi
Convenient parking
Curbside service
Wheelchair-accessible
Service pets welcome
Assistive listening devices
Financing available
Tinnitus
Affiliations
We are preferred providers of the NFL Players Association’s Professional Athletes Foundation. Our goal is to bring better hearing to former professional athletes and fit them with the hearing technology they need.
We are a proud partner of HearStrong, an organization that spreads hearing loss awareness and provides hearing aids to those in need.