About Us

Joseph L. Hegarty, MD is a board-certified physician who specializes in skull base surgery, otology, and neurotology. He attended Cornell University to complete his undergraduate studies and graduated with honors. Dr. Hegarty then graduated with honors from Jefferson Medical College, followed by a five-year otolaryngology residency and two-year cochlear physiology fellowship at the hospitals and clinics of the University of Iowa. After his residency, he completed a two-year fellowship in neurotology and skull base surgery at the University of California, San Francisco. This fellowship was under Robert Jackler, MD’s direction. Since 2001, Dr. Hegarty has practiced in Colorado, and his practice is limited to hearing and balance systems diseases.

Michael Iliff, Au.D, is a clinically certified audiologist who obtained his Communicative Disorders bachelor’s degree from the University of the Redlands in California. After that, he went to San Diego State University and earned his master’s degree in Audiology. Dr. Iliff completed his Doctorate in Audiology at the Arizona School of Health Sciences. He started Castle Rock Ear Associates in 2021 with Dr Hegarty as an extension of Colorado Springs Ear Associates, and his services include comprehensive hearing rehabilitation, which includes assistive listening devices, hearing aids, and surgically implanted devices, such as BAHAs and cochlear implants. Dr. Iliff has served on multiple boards serving the hearing impaired, and he has served many major hearing aid manufacturers as a technology consultant. His own hearing loss for many years requires he uses hearing technology. “As someone who is hearing impaired and uses hearing technology, I’ve always felt the most satisfaction when I’ve been able to apply my experience and education to give someone the gift of hearing once again."

Cassie Iliff, Au.D is a Colorado native and Doctor of Audiology. She grew up near rural Yuma, CO on a cattle ranch. Dr. Iliff received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders and Doctor of Audiology Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. Her specialties include tinnitus management, hearing protection, extended-wear Lyric fittings, and advanced hearing aid programming. After Dr. Iliff graduated with her doctorate, she has had a variety of professional experiences. She began her career as the winner of the James Jerger Award for Excellence in Student Research. Dr. Iliff has worked as a trainer and sales representative for a hearing aid manufacturer, and she has worked as a hearing testing equipment developer. She sees the importance of quality healthcare after growing up in a small town, and it gave her a specific passion for helping people hear. Dr. Iliff looks forward to helping you with your hearing needs with quality, individualized healthcare.

Allison Groninger, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant who specializes in balance and hearing disorders. She attended Colorado State University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. After that, Allison went to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, where she earned her master’s degree in Physician Assistant studies. Allison has prior experience as a nursing assistant and medical assistant, which taught her how important compassion and responsiveness are when dealing with patient concerns. She pursued her degree as a Physician Assistant because she wanted to combine advanced medical knowledge and technical skills with her caregiving background. Allison has worked at Castle Rock Ear Associates for more than four years before she became a provider, developing her passion for treating chronic and acute ear disorders. She enjoys providing quality, patient-centered care and developing relationships with patients. Allison is a Colorado Springs native and enjoys outdoor activities, including running trails and camping with family and friends.

Dr. Monique Dang was born and raised just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and her Doctor of Audiology from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Prior to being awarded her Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Dang completed a full-time clinical externship at the University of Colorado Hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus, where she gained independent experience in many facets of Audiology. Her clinical interests include audiological testing, hearing aids, and vestibular assessment. Dr. Dang believes strongly in patient education and following evidence-based practice. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, reading, exploring new parks, and spending time with family, friends, and her two cats.