Why Untreated Hearing Loss Impacts Health in Palo Alto Residents

Palo Alto residents pride themselves on maintaining an active, health-conscious lifestyle. However, many overlook a critical aspect of their wellbeing: hearing health. Untreated hearing loss affects far more than just your ability to hear conversations—it creates a cascade of health issues that can significantly impact your quality of life in Silicon Valley’s fast-paced environment. The Hidden Health Consequences of Hearing … Read More

Costco vs Audiologist: What’s Actually Included? (Care Model Comparison)

Costco is the largest retail hearing aid provider in the United States, accounting for roughly 16% of all units sold — and for straightforward cases, it offers genuine value at significantly lower device prices than most private practices. The meaningful differences between the two models are not primarily about device quality: they are about the consistency of clinical best practices … Read More

Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips for Hillsborough Homes

Living in Hillsborough means dealing with unique environmental factors that can affect your hearing aids’ performance and longevity. The coastal climate, varying humidity levels, and daily lifestyle activities all play a role in how well your hearing devices function. Proper hearing aid maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal performance, extending device lifespan, and maintaining clear, comfortable hearing throughout your daily … Read More

Tips for First-Time Hearing Aid Users in Burlingame

Getting your first hearing aids in Burlingame can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with hearing loss or have finally decided to take the step toward better hearing health, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate your journey as a new hearing aid user. From understanding the adjustment period to maintaining your devices, these essential tips … Read More

Why Do Hearing Aids Whistle (Feedback) and How Do You Fix It?

Hearing aid feedback — that high-pitched whistle or squeal — happens when amplified sound escapes from your ear canal and gets picked up by the hearing aid microphone, creating a loop that re-amplifies itself. The cause is almost always one of five things: poor fit, earwax buildup, a worn wax guard, an external object near the mic, or a programming … Read More

Best Hearing Protection for Musicians Living in Atherton

Musicians living in Atherton face unique challenges when it comes to protecting their hearing while maintaining the high-quality sound they need to perform at their best. Whether you’re a professional musician performing at venues throughout the Bay Area or an amateur musician practicing at home, hearing protection for musicians is essential for preserving your most valuable asset – your hearing. … Read More

What Is a Speech-in-Noise Test (QuickSIN) vs a Standard Hearing Test?

A standard hearing test (pure-tone audiogram) measures the softest sounds you can detect — it tells your audiologist how loud things need to be for you to hear them. A speech-in-noise test like the QuickSIN measures something entirely different: how well you understand speech when background noise is present — the single most common real-world hearing complaint, and one the … Read More

What Is Auracast and Why Should People With Hearing Loss Care?

At California Hearing Center, we’ve been watching Auracast develop for several years — and the pace of real-world adoption is now moving fast enough that it’s become a meaningful part of our fitting conversations. If you’ve never heard the term, you’re not alone. Auracast is the biggest shift in how hearing aids connect to the world since Bluetooth was introduced … Read More

Hearing Aids Near Burlingame Avenue for Hillsborough Residents

Finding the right hearing aids can significantly improve your quality of life, especially for residents of Hillsborough seeking convenient audiological care. Located near Burlingame Avenue, professional hearing aid services provide comprehensive solutions to address various degrees of hearing loss. Whether you’re experiencing mild hearing difficulties or need advanced hearing technology, understanding your local options is the first step toward better … Read More

What Is a Word Recognition Score (WRS) and What Is “Good”?

A word recognition score (WRS) measures the percentage of single-syllable words you can correctly repeat when speech is made clearly audible — separate from how loud sounds need to be. A score of 90–100% is considered normal; scores below 50% indicate severe difficulty understanding speech even with amplification. 🔑 Key Takeaway Your WRS is arguably the most important number on … Read More