Meet Our Audiologists
Our ASHA and Board certified audiologists bring over 50 years of combined expertise providing exemplary
hearing and balance healthcare.
Jacquelyn C. J. Lovitt, Au.D.
American Board of Audiology Certified Audiologist
Dr. Jacquelyn C. J. Lovitt is an expert in hearing aids , central auditory processing disorders, and vestibular (vertigo) assessment and management. She also has a wealth of knowledge, training, and unique skills in the areas of electrophysiological evaluation and cochlear implants. She received both her bachelor’s and Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) degrees from The Ohio State University and completed her residency at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
Named Senior Master clinician at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
As a subject matter expert for the Department of Defense, Dr. Lovitt developed, and was lead instructor, for the first week-long course on central auditory processing disorders to military and VA Audiologists from around the nation.
Board certified by the American Board of Audiology, a designation which indicates a dedication to ethical practice as well as robust continuing education requirements.
Expert in vestibular assessment and rehabilitation, having received specialized education at advanced levels of study.
Received the highly-competitive award of Senior Civilian of the Quarter while at Walter Reed to honor her outstanding work performance and patient care.
Unique experience working with patients suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post traumatic stress disorder, which includes her work with the TBI team at Walter Reed and the National Intrepid Center of Excellence.
More About Dr. Lovitt
Dr. Lovitt’s experience includes her work at the premiere military hospital in the nation, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), where she was bestowed the honor of being named Senior Master Clinician. During her time there, she independently developed a multi-disciplinary, holistic central auditory processing evaluation and management protocol at WRNMMC and eventually created a one-week seminar for military and VA audiologists. She has sat on multi-disciplinary teams for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and pediatric craniofacial abnormalities. In addition, she previously served as subject matter expert to the Department of Defense and VA for central auditory processing disorders (CAPD).
Dr. Lovitt’s vision is to improve early intervention for hearing loss and balance disorders and their sequalae. She understands the significant role hearing and balance plays in maintaining happy, healthy, and socially-engaged lifestyles. Dr. Lovitt is passionate about preventing the long-term effects that untreated hearing loss can have on cognitive and emotional health. Because of their shared passion in helping all to hear better, she collaborated with Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins to found Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of those in the metro DC region.
When asked what makes Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance unique, Dr. Lovitt stated the following:
"We effectively partner with each patient, considering their unique abilities, resources, and needs, to develop holistic, audiological intervention plans that will lead to optimal outcomes."
Candice E. Ortiz-Hawkins, Au.D., CH-TM
American Board of Audiology Certified Audiologist
Dr. Candice E. Ortiz-Hawkins is a nationally recognized, American Board of Audiology Certified Audiologist, United States Army Veteran, speaker, and author on hearing healthcare practices. She holds the Certificate of Tinnitus Management (CH-TM), and audiologists from across the country have sought out her expertise in tinnitus evaluation and treatment, hyperacusis evaluation and treatment, auditory hallucination management, and hearing monitoring for patients undergoing ototoxic medical treatment.
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Academy of Audiology and volunteers with the American Tinnitus Association, reflecting her commitment to advancing the profession and expanding access to high-quality hearing healthcare.
Certified by the American Board of Audiology, a designation which indicates a dedication to ethical practice as well as robust continuing education requirements.
Certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association which recognizes that holders sustain rigorous continued academic and professional standards.
Deemed an expert in tinnitus evaluation and management having received specialized training which was used to establish evaluation and treatment models at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Associate Master Clinician during her tenure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, indicating exemplary service and productivity with her work in ototoxic monitoring.
Expert in ototoxic monitoring and is internationally recognized for her work in the development of standardization of care within the multi-disciplinary environment.
More About Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins received her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Wayne State University and her Doctor of Audiology (AuD) from University of South Florida. She completed her residency at the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and The House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins worked at the prestigious Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) for over a decade. During her time there, she single-handedly developed programs for newborn hearing screening and ototoxic monitoring for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, infectious diseases, and pulmonary disorders. Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins was bestowed the honor of being named an Associate Master Clinician by WRNMMC for her work in ototoxicity. She has sat on multi-disciplinary teams for hematology and oncology, and national tinnitus working groups. She currently sits on the International Ototoxicity Monitoring Group.
Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins’s vision is to impact the lives of patients, her community, and the advancement of audiology by providing a holistic approach to hearing healthcare. It is with this vision that she has, in partnership with Dr. Lovitt, founded the Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance where their combined expertise and innovation are accessible to those in the metro Washington DC area and beyond.
When asked what makes Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance different, Dr. Ortiz-Hawkins explains:
"We have made a commitment to do whatever it takes to serve our patients and make top-tier hearing and balance healthcare more accessible to our community."
Brianna Cole, Au.D.
American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certified Audiologist
Dr. Brianna Cole is a dedicated audiologist providing comprehensive hearing and balance care. Her areas of expertise include central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), cochlear implants, hearing aids, and balance disorders.
Certified by the American Speech Language Hearing Association which recognizes that holders sustain rigorous continued academic and professional standards.
Lenire certified clinician
Certified in vestibular assessment and management by the American Institute of Balance
More About Dr. Cole
Dr. Cole earned her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Speech Sciences from the University of British Columbia and her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Arizona State University. She completed her clinical residency at the Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance, gaining advanced experience in diagnostics and rehabilitation.
Prior to residency, Dr. Cole gained valuable experience as an audiology assistant with Dr. Cliff, Au.D., in Phoenix, Arizona, sparking her passion for hearing aid technology and patient care. She has also contributed to patient education as a staff writer for the HearingUp network, developing resources to empower individuals seeking quality hearing healthcare.
As a hearing aid user herself, Dr. Cole brings a unique level of understanding and empathy to her practice. She is deeply committed to helping patients navigate their hearing loss journey and achieve their best possible hearing.
Jacob Stewart, Au.D., CH-TM
American Speech-Language Hearing Association Certified Audiologist
Dr. Stewart is passionate about delivering exceptional hearing healthcare to individuals across the lifespan. He brings specialized expertise in pediatric audiology, tinnitus evaluation and management, balance assessment and rehabilitation, and the fitting and management of hearing aids.
More About Dr. Stewart
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the College of Wooster, Dr. Stewart completed his Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) at the University of South Alabama.
Dr. Stewart's approach is rooted in both clinical excellence and deep empathy. He provides evidence-based care that's always tailored to the unique needs of each patient, fostering trusting relationships. His commitment ensures that children with hearing challenges, adults managing tinnitus, and patients navigating balance disorders all receive personalized, compassionate, and comfortable care.
Our audiologists provide a holistic approach to hearing and balance care while setting the standard of excellence in prevention, diagnosis, and early treatment through education, accessibility, and innovation.
