Hearing Solutions Start with a Trusted Hearing Professional

The quality of your hearing affects every aspect of your life. The experience and qualifications of our team, and our commitment to work with you, is what sets us apart. You can trust our experienced hearing professionals can recommend the hearing solution that is best for you and is tailored to your needs. Whether you're suffering from hearing loss, or you are interested in finding quality hearing protection, we welcome you to contact us today! The California Hearing Center is proud to see patients throughout San Mateo, San Carlos, Burlingame, Belmont, and Millbrae, CA.

Kira Savin

(she/her/hers)

Au.D. - DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Dr. Kira Savin believes that "there is nothing more rewarding than helping a patient achieve better hearing." She feels that everyone's hearing needs are unique, like a fingerprint, and it is her goal to find a customized solution for each patient she sees.

Dr. Savin specializes in providing personalized hearing solutions using the latest and most discreet technology available, including the Lyric® invisible extended-wear hearing device. Her areas of expertise include hearing rehabilitation, auditory counseling, tinnitus management and retraining therapy, and dispensing of hearing devices and other assistive listening technologies. Dr. Savin is licensed in Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing in both California and New York State. She has been accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and is a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. Dr. Savin completed her residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. After practicing in New York City, she continued her career in Westchester County where she co-purchased Audiology Associates of Westchester and remains a co-owner of that practice and its satellite offices.

She is thrilled to now call the Bay Area her home.

Darcy Benson

(she/her/hers)

Au.D. – DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Dr. Darcy Benson, founder of California Hearing Center, believes that, “regaining the ability to hear brings people back into the world around them.”  With over 30 years of experience, she has a dedication to the field of hearing care that stretches far beyond her practice. She brings this high level of expertise with her to her daily interactions with the patients she sees. Her focus is on providing evidence-based practice in a patient-centered care environment.  She is passionate about her work and in improving the lives of her patients through better hearing.

Dr. Benson received her clinical doctorate in Audiology in 2006.  She is board certified by the American Board of Audiology and is licensed in California as a dispensing audiologist.  Her work has been published in professional journals and audiology textbooks.  In 2018, she was awarded the Inspired-by-Ida label, a benchmark of quality of care.  

Dr. Benson is active in the field of audiology and is a consultant for companies carrying out research on new technology and fitting systems.  As a member of the advisory board of the Ida Institute, she works with an international team of audiologists to integrate person-centered care into hearing rehabilitation around the world.   Dr. Benson is native to the Bay Area and lives on the peninsula.

Patty Anderson

(she/her/hers)

Au.D. – DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY

Dr. Patty Anderson decided to pursue a career in audiology because of her personal lifelong experience with hearing loss. She values outstanding, personalized care and collaborative partnership with her patients in pursuit of a better quality of life. Dr. Anderson’s areas of expertise include auditory rehabilitation and counseling, treatment and management of sound disorders (e.g., tinnitus, hyperacusis, and misophonia), as well as fitting custom products designed for hearing conservation and in-ear monitors for audiophiles.

Dr. Anderson graduated with honors from San Francisco State with a degree in public health, holds a post-baccalaureate in speech-language pathology from CSU Northridge, and graduated with accolades as a Doctor of Audiology from University of the Pacific. She is licensed in California for Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing. She is a fellow of both the California Academy of Audiology (CAA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA). She completed her residency at Silicon Valley Hearing in Los Gatos, CA.

Dr. Anderson devotes her free time towards fostering the future of audiology. She frequently serves as a student mentor and academic lecturer for specialty topics. Additionally, she is a member of various CAA committees and assists in organizing annual conferences. Outside of audiology, her hobbies include social swing dancing, teaching, and occasionally competing in balboa, lindy hop, and collegiate shag. When it's sunny outside, she enjoys gardening, hiking, and archery.

Lais Ama

(she/her/hers)

B.S. – HEARING INSTRUMENT SPECIALIST

Lais Ama, hearing specialist, brings to the practice 17 years of experience in providing hearing care from her native country of Brazil. There she worked with the Pontificia Universidade Catholica in Sao Paolo, providing clinical services and presenting research papers on vestibular rehabilitation and the effects of ototoxic drugs on the auditory system.

She also completed an internship at the University of Bordeaux, France, and there she was involved with clinical audiology services, hearing aids and vestibular rehabilitation.

Lais holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Audiology and Speech Pathology from the Pontificaia Universidade Catolica de Sao Paulo and has taken courses in physiotherapy from the Universidade de Sao Paulo – Faculdade de Medicina.  She is licensed in California as a hearing aid dispenser.

After moving to the U.S. she worked for many years in Palo Alto at a large medical clinical providing hearing services to children and adults.   Lais currently lives in Palo Alto.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Jennifer Ratner

(she/her/hers)

Audiology Staff, Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Ratner was awarded her doctorate in audiology from the top graduate audiology program in the country, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She has worked as a research assistant in the Dan Maddox Hearing Aid Research Laboratory at Vanderbilt University, and she completed her externship at the renowned Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Dr. Ratner went on to work at a private practice in Manhattan prior to joining our staff. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and a fellow of the Tinnitus Practitioners Association. She has a strong background in diagnostic testing, fitting and verification of hearing aids, counseling and orientation and auditory rehabilitation. As a music lover and former musician, she enjoys meeting the unique needs of musicians with hearing loss. In 2017, she was awarded the Rising Stars Top 40 Under 40 award from the Business Council of Westchester.

Tasha Elkington

(she/her/hers)

M.Sc. M.B.A -Vice President Operations

Tasha is a proven leader within Healthcare Business management, Executive leadership and overall process re-engineering. Along with her MBA in Strategic Leadership, she is also a certified Master Black Belt in Lean and Six Sigma/Functional re-engineering and Chemical Engineer. With this, she has developed and implemented many strategic initiatives throughout her tenure, which have garnered companies millions in revenue. Some of her areas of focus include strategic development and implementation, service center management, work force management & refinement, healthcare operations, financial DSO productivity and enterprise web application deployment. Tasha has developed and implemented several training platforms for coaching and mentoring Lean and Six Sigma belts.

Amanda Romaine

(she/her/hers)

Patient Care Coordinator

Amanda joined California Hearing Center in March 2023, bringing with her a unique blend of compassion and experience that elevates the level of patient care we provide. With a background of 4 years in veterinary medicine, Amanda understands the importance of empathy and the difference it can make in patient experiences.

Your Compassionate Caregiver

Amanda is the embodiment of compassion. She goes above and beyond to ensure that our patients receive the personalized care and attention they deserve. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just need someone to talk to, Amanda is here with a warm and caring nature to listen, empathize, and assist. She's your first point of contact at California Hearing Center, and she's dedicated to making your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible.

A Glimpse into Amanda's Life

Outside of work, Amanda has a vibrant and active life. She enjoys spending quality time with her boyfriend and their loyal four-legged friend at the beach, creating cherished memories and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. Amanda's passion for thrift shopping reflects her appreciation for unique finds and the joy of the hunt. When she's not at the beach or treasure hunting, you might find her camping under the stars or riding horses, connecting with these majestic animals in a serene setting.

Always with a Smile

Amanda is the friendly face that greets you at the front desk with a smile. She is here to help, answer any and all of your questions, and make your visit a pleasant one. Her cheerful demeanor and dedication to your well-being are what make her an integral part of our team.

Your comfort and care are our priorities at California Hearing Center, and Amanda is here to ensure that every step of your journey is filled with warmth and support.

Sneha Patel

(she/her/hers)

Patient Accounts Specialist

Sneha serves as our dedicated Patient Accounts Specialist at California Hearing Center, and she's not just a member of our team; she's a vital cornerstone of our mission. With a deep commitment to your well-being, Sneha is always ready to address your billing inquiries with professionalism, courtesy, and a genuine desire to make the financial aspects of your audiology care as smooth as possible.

Why Choose Sneha?

Sneha is not only an expert in managing the financial aspects of your audiology care but also a wealth of knowledge when it comes to handling any billing and insurance issues. Her in-depth understanding of the field ensures that your financial matters are handled with precision and care. She's your dedicated ally in navigating the financial side of your hearing health journey.

Community Engagement

Beyond her role at California Hearing Center, Sneha is an active and engaged member of our community. She believes in giving back and contributing to the well-being of those around her. Her involvement in community initiatives reflects her dedication to improving lives beyond the clinic's walls.

Here for You

For any billing-related questions or assistance, feel free to reach out to Sneha directly. She's here to ensure that your audiology experience with us is not only focused on your hearing health but also your peace of mind. With Sneha on your side, you can trust that your financial concerns will be met with care and expertise.

Your hearing health is paramount to us, and Sneha is here to ensure that your journey is not only smooth but also impactful. We're honored to have her as an essential part of the California Hearing Center team.

Samantha Cheung

(she/her/hers)

Operations Assistant

Samantha is the dedicated Operations Assistant here at the California Hearing Center. With a focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects of our practice, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of our services.

What Samantha Does

Samantha's responsibilities encompass the intricate details of managing the processing, shipping, and receiving of hearing devices and repairs. Her meticulous approach to these tasks ensures that your hearing solutions are in good hands, and that you receive them promptly and in excellent condition. In addition, she excels in scheduling appointments for our valued patients, making sure that your visit is as convenient as possible.

Passionate about Your Experience

Samantha is deeply passionate about providing top-notch service and care to everyone who walks through our doors. She understands that the journey to better hearing health can be a transformative one, and she is committed to making every step as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Samantha takes pride in her role, knowing that her dedication contributes to the exceptional experiences our patients have with us.

Join Samantha on Your Journey

Samantha looks forward to being a part of your hearing health journey. With her attention to detail, dedication to excellent service, and friendly demeanor, she is here to ensure your experience with the California Hearing Center is nothing short of exceptional.

Your satisfaction and well-being are paramount to us, and Samantha is here to make sure your experience with us is outstanding.

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