Tinnitus Care for Atherton Patients, Led by a Specialist

If you live in Atherton and are struggling with ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears, it can be hard to know where to turn. Many clinics offer basic hearing tests, but very few have a provider whose primary focus is tinnitus.

Dr. Emily McMahan, AuD, is a tinnitus-focused audiologist who has helped thousands of people better understand and manage their tinnitus. Patients from Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and across the Peninsula regularly seek her out for her calm, thorough, and evidence-based approach.

At California Hearing Center, Dr. McMahan provides tinnitus evaluations, sound therapy guidance, counseling, and access to advanced tools like Lenire for appropriate candidates.

Who Is Dr. Emily McMahan?

Dr. McMahan is a doctor of audiology with advanced training and deep experience in tinnitus and sound sensitivity. In addition to her work at California Hearing Center, she has led a dedicated tinnitus-focused practice and has built a reputation for taking patients’ symptoms seriously, even when they have been dismissed elsewhere.

Her patients appreciate that she:

• Explains tinnitus in clear, practical language
• Connects symptoms to what is happening in the auditory system and the brain
• Offers realistic, step-by-step treatment pathways instead of quick fixes
• Understands how stress, sleep, anxiety, and lifestyle affect tinnitus
• Helps patients feel heard, supported, and less alone in the process

You can read more about her background and philosophy here: Learn more about Dr. McMahan »

Dr. McMahan’s Approach to Tinnitus

Tinnitus is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Two people can describe the same sound but have very different experiences and needs. Dr. McMahan’s approach is to understand your tinnitus in the context of your entire life, not just your audiogram.

Her care typically includes:

• Listening first – understanding when your tinnitus started, how it has changed, and how it affects you day to day.
• Comprehensive testing – going beyond “your hearing is fine” with detailed audiological and tinnitus-specific tests.
• Education – explaining what tinnitus is (and isn’t), why it behaves the way it does, and what progress really looks like.
• Personalized treatment planning – selecting the right mix of sound therapy, counseling strategies, and, when appropriate, advanced options like Lenire.
• Ongoing support – adjusting your plan as life, stress, or symptoms change over time.

Who From Atherton Typically Sees Dr. McMahan?

People from Atherton and nearby communities often schedule with Dr. McMahan when they:

• Have been told “nothing can be done” but feel their tinnitus is getting worse
• Notice tinnitus is affecting their sleep, focus, work, or family life
• Have tried basic masking apps or noise machines without much relief
• Experience tinnitus along with sound sensitivity, stress, or jaw/neck tension
• Are looking for a structured, evidence-based plan instead of quick tips

Whether your tinnitus is new or something you’ve lived with for years, she focuses on what is possible now — not on what you “should have done” in the past.

What to Expect at Your Visit

1. Conversation & History

Your appointment begins with a detailed conversation about your tinnitus, your health history, and your goals. Many patients say this is the first time they’ve felt truly listened to about their tinnitus.

2. Hearing & Tinnitus Testing

You’ll complete a set of hearing tests and, when appropriate, tinnitus-specific tests such as tinnitus pitch and loudness matching. These help build a clearer picture of what you’re experiencing.

3. Clear Explanation & Recommendations

Dr. McMahan will review your results with you in plain language and explain what they mean. Together, you’ll discuss possible next steps and which treatment options make sense for your specific situation.

4. Treatment Plan & Follow-Up

Your plan may include sound therapy, counseling strategies, hearing technology, or Lenire for eligible patients, along with follow-up visits to monitor and support your progress.

Seeing Dr. McMahan Near Atherton

While California Hearing Center does not have a physical office in Atherton, both of our clinics are an easy drive away and regularly welcome patients from Atherton and surrounding areas.

• San Mateo Clinic – 88 N San Mateo Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401
• San Carlos Clinic – 1008 Laurel Street, San Carlos, CA 94070

When you schedule, simply let our team know you’re coming from Atherton and that you’d like to see Dr. McMahan for tinnitus care.

How Dr. McMahan Uses Tools Like Lenire

For some patients, advanced technology such as Lenire can be a helpful part of treatment. For others, structured sound therapy, education, and counseling are more appropriate starting points.

Dr. McMahan’s role is to help you decide what belongs in your plan — and just as importantly, what doesn’t — based on the best available evidence and your personal goals.