About Us
Serving Essex County for over 20 years
Located in West Orange, New Jersey, The Hearing Group offers advanced audiology care for patients of all ages throughout Essex County and the surrounding areas. Our practice is co-owned by two highly trained audiologists who have more than 50 years of combined experience. We maintain a strong commitment to improving the lives of our patients through outstanding hearing care. Whether you are looking for a hearing exam, hearing aids, or other audiological services, our team will provide expert support to accommodate your needs.
Meet Your Team in West Orange
Patients are seen by our co-owners and New Jersey-licensed audiologists and hearing aid dispensers, Robbi Hershon, Au.D., CCC-A, and Debra Knapp, Au.D., CCC-A. Both hearing doctors have undergone extensive training and gained experience in hospitals and Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) offices before opening this private practice together.
Robbi Hershon, Au.D., CCC-A
Co-Owner, Audiologist
Audiology License: YA451
NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser: MG917
Dr. Robbi Hershon received her B.S. from Ithaca College in Speech Pathology and Audiology, her M.S. in Audiology from Northeastern University, and her Au.D. from Arizona School of Health Sciences. She is a member of ASHA where she has been awarded multiple Awards for Continuing Education. She is licensed as both an Audiologist and Hearing Aid Dispenser by the State of New Jersey. Dr. Hershon co-founded The Hearing Group with Dr. Knapp in 2004. Prior to this she worked in several local hospitals and in ENT offices providing services to pediatrics, adults, and those with special needs. She is a member of the Rotary Club of West Orange where she served as President from 2017-2018, was the chair of the Community Service Awards, is currently President of Help the Children Hear and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She was appointed to the Board of Directors of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce in January 2019. The field of audiology and hearing aid dispensing has been a very rewarding experience for her, particularly how the services she provides has improved people’s lives.
When Dr. Hershon is not in the office she enjoys spending time with her family, attempting to solve the New York Times crossword puzzles, and relaxing at the beach.
Debra Knapp, Au.D., CCC-A
Co-Owner, Audiologist
Audiology License: YA404
NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser: MG767
Dr. Debra Knapp was born and raised in New Jersey. She completed her undergraduate studies at Ithaca College in upstate New York, earned her master’s degree in Audiology from Northeastern University in Boston, and later received her Doctorate from the University of Florida in Gainesville. Dr. Knapp is licensed in the state of New Jersey as both an Audiologist and a Hearing Aid Dispenser, and she is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. After gaining extensive experience in ENT and hospital settings, she pursued her entrepreneurial vision and transitioned into private practice. In 2004, she co-founded The Hearing Group alongside Dr. Hershon.
Throughout her career, Dr. Knapp has worked with a diverse patient population, including pediatric, young adult, geriatric, and special needs patients. She is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with her patients, allowing her to fully understand their unique needs and provide personalized hearing solutions. Her passion is simple: helping people achieve a better quality of life through improved hearing.
Outside of the office, Dr. Knapp enjoys spending time with her husband, Andrew, and their two daughters, Katelyn and Alison. In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, and staying actively involved in her community.
Katelyn Knapp
Hearing Instrument Specialist
NJ Hearing Aid Dispenser: MG1613
Katelyn was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Seton Hall University in 2022 with a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. She went on to earn her certification as a Hearing Instrument Specialist through the International Hearing Society.
Katelyn began her career at The Hearing Group during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially working in the front office. It was there that she discovered her passion for the hearing healthcare field. She finds great fulfillment in helping people reconnect with their hearing and values the opportunity to work alongside her mother, Debra Knapp.
Outside of the office, Katelyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, reading, and relaxing with her dog, Gus.
Nancy Ukenta
Patient Care Coordinator
Nancy is our caring and knowledgeable Patient Care Coordinator. She has been with our team for over four years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Administration. She has extensive experience working in health care office settings, having worked for six years in an ophthalmology office before switching to the audiology field.
Nancy always knew she wanted to work in a field that helped people, as both her parents were nurses. Now, she enjoys making patients feel comfortable and supported on their hearing journeys. She loves interacting with different people each day and ensures the office runs smoothly.
Outside of work, Nancy enjoys spending quality time with her family and two daughters. She is also an avid reader.
Gina Miranda
Patient Care Coordinator
Gina is one of our friendly Patient Care Coordinators with a strong background in hospitality and childcare. Over the years, she has developed exceptional customer service, communication, and multitasking skills while working closely with families and individuals. Gina finds great fulfillment in helping others and enjoys working in an environment where she can connect with patients each day. She takes pride in finding solutions and building positive, lasting relationships with the people she serves.
In her free time, Gina enjoys spending quality time with her family and staying active with sports, both playing and watching. She is excited to be part of The Hearing Group team and looks forward to meeting you!
How We Give Back to Our Community
We are dedicated to the health and well-being of the people in West Orange and Essex County. Our audiologist, Dr. Hershon, is a member of the Rotary Club of West Orange. We also proudly support and sponsor a local soccer team. We regularly visit local assistive living facilities to provide audiological care to those in need.
