Do you accept my insurance for hearing aids?

We work with all major insurance providers including Medicare, Medicaid, PPO, HMO plans, and workers' compensation claims. Our insurance specialists will verify your benefits and help maximize your coverage to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

What makes California Hearing Center different?

We are the first clinic worldwide to receive the Inspired by Ida quality benchmark for person-centered care. With over 27 years of experience, we combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care, taking time to understand your individual needs and lifestyle.

What services do you provide?

We offer comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid fitting and programming, tinnitus management, balance testing, custom ear protection, and ongoing hearing healthcare support using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.

Is sudden hearing loss an emergency?

Sudden hearing loss or a sudden major change in hearing should be evaluated urgently. It can be time-sensitive and should not be treated as a routine issue.

When should I go to the ER for sound sensitivity?

Seek urgent evaluation if sound sensitivity is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo, new neurologic symptoms, significant trauma, fever, severe ear pain, or ear drainage.

Should one-sided tinnitus or sound sensitivity be checked?

Yes. New or worsening symptoms that are clearly worse on one side should be evaluated, especially if persistent or accompanied by hearing changes.

If it’s not urgent, who should I see first?

If symptoms developed gradually and you don’t have urgent red flags, an audiologist is often a good first step to evaluate hearing, understand sound tolerance patterns, and coordinate referrals if needed.

Hyperacusis Red Flags: When to Seek Urgent Care

Safety guide

When to Seek Help for Hyperacusis: Red Flags to Take Seriously

Hyperacusis (sound sensitivity) is often manageable, but some symptoms need urgent medical attention.
This page helps you recognize red flags so you can take the right next step—quickly and safely.

Back to Hyperacusis Overview
Schedule an Evaluation (Non-Urgent)

If you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Red flags: seek urgent evaluation

If any of the following are happening now, don’t wait for a routine appointment.
Seek urgent medical evaluation (urgent care, ER, or same-day ENT/medical care depending on severity).

Urgent red flags

UrgentSudden hearing loss or sudden major change in hearing

Especially if it happened over hours to a couple of days, or if one ear suddenly feels “blocked” with a real hearing drop.
Sudden hearing loss can be time-sensitive.

UrgentSevere vertigo or new trouble walking

If you’re spinning, falling, unable to walk normally, or experiencing vomiting with vertigo—get evaluated urgently.

UrgentNew neurologic symptoms

Facial weakness, new numbness, severe headache unlike usual, confusion, difficulty speaking, or vision changes need urgent evaluation.

UrgentHead/ear trauma followed by hearing change or intense new symptoms

After an accident, fall, or blast exposure—new hearing change, intense sound sensitivity, or dizziness should be assessed urgently.

UrgentFever, severe ear pain, or ear drainage

These can signal infection or other issues that require medical treatment rather than self-management.

If not urgent: book an evaluation
Coping guide (non-urgent) →

Symptoms to evaluate soon (not necessarily the ER)

These symptoms usually warrant prompt evaluation, but they aren’t always emergencies. If they’re worsening,
persistent, or one-sided, it’s worth being seen soon.

New one-sided symptoms

New sound sensitivity, tinnitus, or hearing changes that are clearly worse on one side should be evaluated.

Schedule an evaluation →

Persistent pulsatile sound

A rhythmic “whooshing” in time with your heartbeat can require medical workup—especially if new or worsening.

Tinnitus hub (includes pulsatile info) →

Rapidly worsening tolerance

If your world is shrinking quickly—more triggers, less tolerance, frequent spikes—get help so you’re not guessing.

Coping guide →

When it’s appropriate to start with an audiologist

If your symptoms have been building gradually and you don’t have urgent red flags, starting with an audiology evaluation
is often the right first step. We can help you understand what’s happening, assess hearing and sound tolerance patterns,
and coordinate referrals if anything looks medically concerning.

Gradual onset sound sensitivity

Everyday sounds feel increasingly uncomfortable over weeks or months, especially in restaurants, transit, or busy rooms.

Hyperacusis overview →

Hyperacusis with tinnitus

If tinnitus and sound sensitivity show up together, the plan often needs to address both sides.

Tinnitus + hyperacusis guide →

You want a safe coping plan

You’re unsure about earplugs, avoidance, gradual exposure, and how to prevent setbacks.

Coping & gradual exposure →

Not sure what category you’re in?

That’s common. If you’re unsure whether symptoms are urgent, start with the safest option for your situation:
seek urgent care if you have sudden hearing loss, severe vertigo, or neurologic symptoms.
Otherwise, schedule an evaluation and we’ll help triage next steps.

Schedule an Evaluation
San Mateo Office
San Carlos Office