At California Hearing Center, we see it regularly: hearing aids that sounded great at the fitting but have quietly degraded over months of daily wear — not because anything broke, but because they were never cleaned. Earwax, moisture, and debris are the leading causes of preventable hearing aid repairs and early device failure. A simple, consistent maintenance routine — paired … Read More

At California Hearing Center, one of the most common questions we hear from new patients is: “How long before this feels normal?” It’s a fair question. Getting fitted with hearing aids is a significant step — and it’s completely natural to wonder how much patience the journey requires. The short answer is that most people feel meaningfully comfortable within a … Read More

When your voice sounds boomy, hollow, or like you’re talking inside a barrel while wearing hearing aids, you’re experiencing the occlusion effect — a well-understood acoustic phenomenon caused by low-frequency bone-conducted sound becoming trapped in a blocked ear canal. It is extremely common, particularly with new wearers and closed-fit devices, and in the vast majority of cases it is fully … Read More

In the bustling Bay Area community of Burlingame, many residents don’t realize how significantly untreated hearing loss can affect their overall health and quality of life. While hearing loss is often viewed as merely an inconvenience or a natural part of aging, the reality is far more complex. When left untreated, hearing difficulties can cascade into a variety of physical, … Read More

Atherton, with its beautiful tree-lined streets and family-friendly atmosphere, offers countless opportunities for families to create lasting memories together. For families with members who use hearing aids, finding activities that are both enjoyable and accessible can sometimes feel challenging. The good news is that Atherton provides numerous hearing aid friendly activities that allow everyone to participate fully and comfortably. Understanding … Read More

If you use disposable zinc-air hearing aid batteries, battery life depends mainly on battery size, your hearing aid’s power needs, and how much you use streaming and advanced features. Most people experience anywhere from 3 to 20 days per battery—sometimes more, sometimes less. Battery size → typical days (quick chart) These are typical real-world ranges for disposable zinc-air batteries: Battery … Read More

GLP-1 medications have already changed weight management—but injections aren’t for everyone. That’s why there’s so much attention on Eli Lilly’s once-daily oral GLP-1 pill, orforglipron, which has been moving through late-stage trials and is widely expected to reach a U.S. FDA decision window in spring 2026. If you wear hearing aids (or you’re considering them), a practical question comes up … Read More

If you’re shopping for hearing aids in 2026, the price you pay depends less on “the device” and more on the care model (do-it-yourself OTC vs. professionally fit prescription hearing aids), technology level, and what’s bundled (testing, follow-ups, repairs, loss coverage, supplies, etc.). Below is a practical breakdown you can use to budget—and to compare apples to apples. Quick answer: … Read More

If you’ve been living with persistent ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring in your ears, you already know tinnitus can affect everything—sleep, focus, mood, and the ability to enjoy conversations. The good news: tinnitus care has advanced, and many patients can experience meaningful improvement with an evidence-based plan. California Hearing Center is thrilled to welcome Dr. Emily McMahan, Au.D. for a … Read More

Hearing loss affects millions of Americans, and for residents of Burlingame, finding affordable hearing aids can feel like a daunting challenge. With costs ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, many people delay getting the hearing assistance they need. Understanding the true cost of hearing aids in Burlingame and knowing how to save money can help you make an informed … Read More