Patient Stories
“I can't imagine better care than I've received with Berkeley Hearing Center.”
I first noticed a continuous “hissing” sound in my ears — like an old-fashioned radiator sound. Later I began to think people were muttering because I couldn’t follow all of what they were saying. I think a friend recommended that I get my hearing checked.
I had been wearing hearing aids for years by the time I visited Berkeley Hearing Center. My biggest concerns were the large size on my in-ear aids, how easily they “squealed” with feedback, and the cost.
This was when the Center was on Shattuck Street. I thought the office was tiny. However, it was airy and full of light, and the staff and the specialists were extra helpful and friendly. With each new location of the Berkeley Hearing Center, these attributes have expanded: more space, open and inviting decor, more wonderful, talented, and friendly staff and specialists.
I can’t imagine better care than I’ve received with Berkeley Hearing Center. I know my hearing abilities are at their best possible because of their care. I understand my hearing issues and options because every one at the Center is compassionate and professional about how they attend to, examine, and inform me. They are transparent and helpful about the quality & cost options for recommended equipment. I feel confident and trust every decision I have made and I also appreciate the payment plans offered.
I especially trust my relationship with the Berkeley Hearing Center because of these qualities. Over the years, I understood each recommendation, including what treatments were not necessary. Thus, when my hearing seriously deteriorated, I trusted and welcomed their recommendation for a cochlear implant. Berkeley Hearing Center stayed informed and supported me with all aspects of this decision and have even worked with my cochlear audiologist to assure my hearing aid successfully synchs with my implant equipment and apps.
You cannot find anywhere better to embark on this journey for improved hearing. You can trust that you will understand all aspects of your condition and the best range of equipment that will provide you with the enhancements needed. And, support does not stop once you purchase your equipment. Berkeley Hearing Center supports you with assessment, fitting, competency, and maintenance, and never recommends anything you don’t need. When I need assistance — even just with questions — BHC has always responded swiftly and compassionately, knowledgeable about my full history. BHC is not just a doctor’s office; they become your friends and hearing-care advocates.
“I'm so grateful for the help Berkeley Hearing Center provided me.”
I remember my friend sitting me down and asking me if I was ignoring him, or what was going on. At that moment, I realized I could not hear them speaking to me, and the effect that that had on my relationships.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to think. It was a huge shock to realize that I had been living with hearing loss. I was motivated to correct the problem, and most importantly find a practice that I could trust that had my best interests at heart.
From the first meeting I had with John, I felt welcomed, not judged, and supported. He was patient in answering all of my questions and took the time to explain the science of the tests they ran and what it all meant. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was in good hands for my hearing, and that I had a clear understanding of what was wrong and what was needed to fix it.
It’s really hard to describe. I remember being able to hear the sound of water being poured into a glass and leaves rustling in the wind—things that I had never heard before in my life. It improved my mood, my friendships, professional life, and home life. I’m so grateful for the help Berkeley Hearing Center provided me.
Don’t hesitate and go in. Hearing is so important in so many of our daily activities, taking the time to get checked out is so important. It literally can change your life, and if nothing else, help you understand how your hearing is performing today. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
“I always feel welcome at the Berkeley Hearing Center.”
I had a sudden hearing loss after a plane trip. At first I thought my hearing would return but it didn’t and I started to worry about mishearing my clients at work. I was in my 50’s and I didn’t want to wear hearing aids. I also didn’t think I could afford them.
Jessa is my audiologist and she is so friendly, kind, and informative. I always feel welcome at the Berkeley Hearing Center.
I have great hearing now and my life is much more enjoyable. I can engage with people that I would have avoided because of my hearing loss. I can hear bird song and the wind and have conversations with groups of people around a dinner table.
If you’re considering Berkeley Hearing Center, make an appointment to get your hearing tested!
“They are the ones that have patiently introduced me to the high technology of the newest hearing aids and put up with my lack of high-tech knowledge and skills!”
I realized I may have a hearing loss when my 10-year-old daughter made it very clear to me with a graphic drawing of a mother that didn’t understand her! It immediately made me go get my hearing tested. My biggest concern was to get right on top of it.
When I was younger, I used to hate it when things went into my ears, so I wasn’t looking forward to the physical appointment. I actually found the hearing test somewhat interesting.
I have been to two other offices over the 20 years of having hearing aids. Once a friend’s son recommended Berkeley Hearing Center, I have stuck with them. I’m guessing it’s been about 15 years now.
They are the ones that have patiently introduced me to the high technology of the newest hearing aids and put up with my lack of high-tech knowledge and skills!
I would definitely tell them to give it a go!
“My first impressions were that the staff was friendly and professional, as always.”
I don’t remember the exact moment, but after years of asking, “Say what?” I finally decided to go to Berkeley Hearing Center. I had no fears, just looked forward to improved hearing.
My first impressions were that the staff was friendly and professional, as always.
Hearing aids have hugely impacted my life. I can now hear birds singing, and my passion for listening to recorded music has been greatly enhanced. Cymbals, bells, percussion, piccolo—oh my gosh, it cannot be overstated how much more I enjoy music now!
To anyone concerned about their hearing, I would say: don’t wait.
“Berkeley Hearing Center represents best practices.”
I first realized something was up with my ears when I got tested by an audiologist at Kaiser after developing tinnitus. I thought my hearing was fine, so I didn’t have any preconceived fears before contacting.
My first impressions of Berkeley Hearing Center were that everyone was friendly, and they still are! I now have great hearing aids and was referred to Dr. Emily McMahan for tinnitus relief.
If you’re concerned about your hearing, I’d say Berkeley Hearing Center represents best practices.
“It's well worth a consultation to know once and for all whether you need hearing help.”
I noticed many years ago, as it happened gradually, that I started saying “huh?” a lot.
My first impressions of Berkeley Hearing Center were that it was very clean and the people were pleasant.
Now, with hearing aids, I can keep up with conversations at family gatherings. It’s well worth a consultation to know once and for all whether you need hearing help.
"Go! Have it taken care of"
I first knew I had a hearing challenge when I began having to always make sure I sat down in the first row at a conference presentation
My first impressions of Berkeley Hearing Center were that it is a nice former family residence with a short time lease to make room for a larger commercial building.
At the start I was wary about the possibility for the commericalized/profit-oriented delivery of medical necessities, but I needn’t have worried. My hearing aids have improved my ability to function effectively in social and business interactions.
My advice to others would be to go, have it taken care of. They are good people, highly competent medical staff, friendly, efficient, and helpful support staff.
"Achieving better hearing has taken the strain away and I am thankful to Berkeley Hearing Center"
It all started when I I was finding it difficult to hear students, especially women students, around a seminar table. Hearing became such a strain that it came to interfere with listening attentively. I became a customer when Berkeley Hearing Center was in cramped space on a crowded street. But the owner did everything possible to make my examination and choice of a hearing aid as pleasant as possible. She was all I could have asked of an audiologist. And Jonathan is no less. Achieving better hearing has taken the strain away and I am thankful to Berkeley Hearing Center, you will not find a more pleasant, friendly, well and competently run place to address your hearing difficulties.
"When I first got a hearing aid, I was delivering a lot of live training – hearing better allowed me not to feel like I was missing questions from the class."
I first noticed a hearing challenge in my mid-20s when I started regularly using a phone headset at work. I realized I could hear much better with the earpiece on my right versus my left. I already had one hearing aid, but needed to determine whether I was ready for a second. (My husband’s biggest concern was getting to have the TV back to ‘normal’ volume!)
My first impression of Berkeley Hearing Center was that it was very friendly and welcoming. I was really impressed at how quickly I was recognized by staff – even over the phone. They didn’t make me go through all of the details of my situation each time I arrived, which isn’t always typical in a patient/provider setting.
When I first got a hearing aid, I was delivering a lot of live training – hearing better allowed me not to feel like I was missing questions from the class. I was initially concerned about getting hearing aids because I felt too “young” to get them. – The reality is that there are so many types on the market that you can choose a model that works for whatever your concerns are in terms of wearing/handling/managing them.
My husband appreciates not having to have the TV at loud volume. I also appreciate the ability to turn the volume up on my hearing aids if the situation warrants. (The hidden benefit to hearing loss? I sleep through almost any noises!)
If you are concerned about your hearing and are considering Berkeley Hearing Center, go and talk to the team – there’s no sales pressure. They will help you find a solution that works for you. (And they will keep working with you to make sure things are right if the initial hearing aid doesn’t work or you need adjustments).
"My hearing aids changed my life! I am able to converse more easily, and my “musical ear” came back."
As a musician, I noticed problems hearing higher frequency notes in the harmonic progression. I had a diagnosis of Ménière’s disease many years ago but didn’t start noticing hearing loss until around 2012.
My first impressions of Berkeley Hearing Center were that the service with the audiologist was personalized and professional. My hearing aids changed my life! I am able to converse more easily, and my “musical ear” came back.
If you’re concerned about your hearing and are considering Berkeley Hearing Center, don’t wait! It can make a huge difference in the way you feel about socializing.
“Go, and you will be so impressed with your experience.”
Like most people (especially men), I was in denial about having hearing loss for about ten years.
I did not have very good experiences with hearing aid dispensers, so I was worried about being ripped off and about the competency of the people who worked there. But after working with Jonathan, I realized how comprehensive his knowledge was and that his ethics were outstanding.
My first impressions of Berkeley Hearing Center were extremely positive—knowledgeable, patient-centered, and highly skilled people.
I could not work without my Resound hearing aids. The aids and the services at Berkeley Hearing Center have improved the quality of my life.
Go, and you will be so impressed with your experience.
"By working with Berkeley, I can now clearly hear conversations and it has improved my hearing more than I ever thought it could."
I first realized that I had a hearing challenge at the Thanksgiving table when someone spoke to me, I said huh…my sister said, “huh huh enough with the huh…go get hearing aids.” My first impression of Berkeley Hearing Center was positive, I liked my first experience and it has only got better. By working with Berkeley, I can now clearly hear conversations and it has improved my hearing more than I ever thought it could. If you are considering visiting Berkeley Hearing Center, my advice to you is they the very very best. Jonathan, the audiologist and John the office manager are a great team. You’re made to feel comfortable the minute you walk thru the door. The highest accolade I give to someone is to say they are “Professional”; Jonathan and John are MVP’s. They know their job. They have the knowledge and the patients to give you the care needed to make your life so much better.
"I would recommend the clinic to anyone."
I realized that my current hearing aids were becoming uncomfortable for me to wear so I was looking for something better and I found Berkeley Hearing Center.
They were very friendly, and the facility was nice. I felt at ease in the environment and with the staff. I would recommend the clinic to anyone.
"The difference is night and day"
Better hearing isn’t just music to Mark’s ears. As an audio engineer, it’s his life.
Following a head trauma when Mark was in his teens, he was left with a single sided hearing loss. “It was a devasting outcome. I wanted to pursue a career as an audio engineer,” he explains. “Despite my significant disadvantage, I pursued a career in the field anyway, and only up until very recently have I let anyone outside of my immediate circle of family and friends know that I’ve lived with this disability for so long.”
Prior to visiting Berkeley Hearing Center, Mark only had one concern. “I didn’t have many worries, as I had been living with a hearing loss for over 20 years before I came to Berkeley Hearing Center,” he says. “However, I was worried that I’d need an invasive and/or largely visible device to treat my hearing loss.”
Nevertheless, Mark’s tech savvy nature prompted him to find out as much about the hearing technology that he could. He says, “My first impression of Berkeley Hearing Center was, well, that I was impressed. I was very upfront about my background – having significant knowledge in the audio field means I didn’t need everything explained to me. I wanted to get nerdy with the technology, understand how it works, and how I could make it work for me.”
Mark and his audiologist clicked instantly, and he knew his hearing care was in good hands. He says this “made the process not just easier, but enjoyable for me overall.”
At Mark’s first appointment, his hearing was comprehensively tested and his personal preferences, work requirements, and lifestyle were all considered when recommending a hearing device.
The result has been life changing for Mark. He says, “Since coming to the Berkeley Hearing Center, I’ve since opted to start using a hearing aid in my impacted ear. The difference is night and day, to be honest.
“My quality of life has drastically improved. Prior to this treatment, I really struggled to follow conversations in group settings and social situations – especially in spaces with lots of background noise. This ultimately led to significant feelings of isolation and loneliness.
“Now, however, it’s like a new lease on life. I can follow and be part of conversations. I don’t have to struggle to read lips and hope to catch snippets of words. I can hear my cat meow at me from the other room. I am more sensitive to the noise I generate when my partner is sleeping. And so much more. I cannot express how incredibly impacting this treatment has been.”
Completely satisfied with his hearing care, Mark rates Berkeley Hearing Center a 10/10 and hopes others will follow in his footsteps. He says, “Just go have a chat. You’ll never know unless you give it a try.”
"I feel very hopeful now"
Claudia says that her hearing was gradually deteriorating “the last couple of years as I got older.” And along with her hearing loss, her confidence and social life were also diminishing.
Eventually, Claudia made an appointment with Berkeley Hearing Center to find out if they could help her. She was mainly concerned about “getting a hearing aid that wasn’t that effective.”
Upon arriving at the office, Claudia was impressed with the “lovely building and very welcoming receptionist.” Before taking a few simple hearing tests, Claudia had a chance to discuss her concerns and challenges with her audiologist. Her hearing assessment revealed her level of hearing loss, and hearing aids were prescribed based on her individual needs.
This appointment has renewed Claudia’s zest for life, and she is looking forward to continuing her better hearing journey with her new devices. She shares, “I feel very hopeful now that, once fitted with a hearing aid, I’ll be able to hear well enough to ‘re-enter society.’”
Claudia rates Berkeley Hearing Center a 10/10. When asked what advice she would give to potential patients, she replies, “I’d let them know what a great staff they have and how thorough they are at diagnosing one’s hearing needs.”
“Now, I tell people: hearing aids don’t make you look old—they make you look smart.”
Like most people, I noticed I was having trouble hearing several years before I took action. But I remember well the moment that made me finally make an appointment for a hearing check. I was talking to the boss of my company, someone I admired greatly. She asked me a question, but I didn’t hear it at first. When I hesitated, she turned away, dismissing me. It was a question I could have answered well, and I felt humiliated and frustrated to have missed the chance to impress her. I realized I never wanted this to happen again, so I made an appointment for a hearing test.
This was over 20 years ago, before I moved to Berkeley. Mostly, I felt embarrassed that I might need hearing aids—I wasn’t so old! Now, I tell people: hearing aids don’t make you look old—they make you look smart.
I’m new to the Berkeley Hearing Center, but I rate it very highly among the hearing centers I’ve gone to over the years.
It isn’t just getting hearing aids and wearing them that’s important—you also need to get them checked and serviced regularly. BHC does this very well.
Go! Right away! You will find they are concerned about your hearing needs, not just selling a pair of hearing aids.
”When you go with trust, wonderful things happen!”
I felt very sad when I realized I was missing out on conversations with my family and friends.
My first impression of Berkeley Hearing Center was that the people who work there are extremely caring and professional.
When you go with trust, wonderful things happen! Wearing hearing aids has impacted my life very positively.
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