Patient Stories

// Patient Story

We’re proud to call Ann Hardy a patient: she’s a true Silicon Valley pioneer and a friend.

As a pioneer in computer programming, Ann joined IBM in New York in 1956.  Among other projects, Ann worked on one of the first Fortran compilers, which was for STRETCH, IBM’s supercomputer of the day. STRETCH can now be seen in the Computer History Museum.

In 1966, Ann was tempted to a startup, Tymshare, because she realized their plans would provide her with the opportunity to have access to a computer from her home.  The founders hadn’t thought about this way of using multi-process computing, but Ann wrote the operating system and made sure it would meet her goals.  Later, as a VP, she managed projects, which used those capabilities to develop and market apps that were at the time revolutionary: pay a bill or make an airline reservation — from home!

Ann’s hearing loss journey started when she visited her doctor to complain that she couldn’t hear very well.  He referred her to Dr. Clark at Pacific Hearing Service.

“They were friendly and helpful, and they listened to my problems,” Ann said. “Unlike a lot of places, they paid attention to me. So, if my hearing aids didn’t perform the way they should, they continued to test so that ‘When you walk home, it’s as good as it can get.’ That difference for me was huge!”

As an engineer, Ann could appreciate such attention to detail and quality. She quickly realized that the standard of care at Pacific Hearing Service differs from that of many other hearing services.

Ann tells about her brother who also invested in hearing care. He paid as much as she did, but he still cannot hear to a reasonable standard. When they talk, he struggles to hear if there are multiple people in the room. “They never tested him after he was first fitted.”

“They assume the hearing aids can be set up perfectly when you first get them. But Dr. Clark checked in with me, listened to my needs, retested, and adjusted. That has made a huge difference for me. My brother simply can’t hear, and I can! We go to the same meetings and the same family get-togethers. I hear everything, and he misses half of it.  And he’s 10 years younger than me!

“Most places just don’t care to make certain the technology is working at its best. But Dr. Clark really wants things working optimally for me.  I hear better than most anybody else I know with hearing aids.”

How have hearing aids impacted Ann’s life? She says her life wouldn’t be the same without them. “I am involved in a number of organizations, such as the Computer History Museum, and they all hold meetings. If you can’t hear and understand what people say, you’ll quickly become isolated.  Most importantly, without good hearing, I wouldn’t be able to have conversations with my grandson in his 21st century English. I can’t imagine how awful that would be!”

If you’re considering working with Pacific Hearing Service, Ann says, “Be grateful you heard about them, because I don’t see the same results with friends who’ve tried other places. I was lucky my doctor knew about Pacific Hearing Service, and I’m so glad I followed through on his recommendation. Most people with hearing aids just don’t hear as well as I do.”

We feel incredibly proud to work with Ann and feel incredibly fortunate to have been trusted by so many local physicians for over 40 years.

// Patient Story

Tom is an incredible person that we’re proud to work with.

Originally from Tennessee, he arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1965 and in his own words “thought he had gone to heaven.” In 1972, he started an executive search firm that helped to put together the original teams for high tech startups, making a significant impact on Silicon Valley throughout his 33-year career.

So much so that he was recognized and featured in a book called Silicon Valley’s Pioneers of Success for his work sourcing the key teams for many famous companies.

Tom’s first experience of hearing loss was during his career when he discovered that he was struggling to hear out of his left ear. At first, he thought it was linked to his time in the army and a noise-induced hearing loss, but after visiting his audiologist at the time, he was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma and was recommended to have brain surgery.

Tom went to Dr. Clark at Pacific Hearing Service for a second opinion, and in his own words says, “She saved me from brain surgery.” She advised that he may not need surgery and her help resulted in him getting the advice of a neurologist that advised that he didn’t need brain surgery.

The rest is history and Dr. Clark has been helping Tom to achieve better hearing and continue to bring his unique and memorable personality to the world.

When asked why he recommends Dr. Clark at Pacific Hearing Service, Tom said, “She’s very good technically, there’s just no doubt about that. But she’s also a great person and she actually cares about the person she’s talking to. The United States is the only country on the planet where medicine is a for-profit business. This means that most people who have a thing that they do want to do it. If they do knee surgery, they want to do your knee because that’s the only way they can have cash flow. However, Dr. Clark has very high integrity, is honest, and has a very positive personality. I can’t imagine somebody just sort of not liking her as a person.”

What would Tom’s advice be to you if you’re considering visiting Pacific Hearing Service?

“Get over there as fast as you can. They’re the best. She and her partner Jane are considered by the Mid Peninsula as being the best. They’re very good.”

// Patient Story

As a former Secretary of Defense, William J. Perry has lived a life that few could imagine. But just like millions of people across America, he’s also had to contend with a hearing loss.

For over sixteen years, Pacific Hearing Service has been proud to provide Dr. Perry with innovative treatments and excellent care. It’s been fantastic to help him on his journey to better hearing.

In 1946, at age 18, Dr. Perry enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Army Corps of Engineers in Japan and Okinawa. A few years later, he graduated with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from Stanford University, and later earned a doctorate degree at Penn State University.

During this period, Dr. Perry retained his position as a reservist army officer. He believes his exposure to artillery detonations during training tours in the 1950s permanently damaged his hearing.

Dr. Perry has had a distinguished career in the private sector, education, and government. He founded and served as president of the electronics firm ESL Inc. and was a managing director of the investment banking firm Hambrecht & Quist. He was Undersecretary of Defense during the Carter administration and served on President Reagan’s Commission on Strategic Forces.

In the late 1980s, Dr. Perry returned to Stanford as a professor in the School of Engineering and co-director of the Preventive Defense Project. It was here that he and others recognized a decline in his hearing. “[My] friends and family noticed,” he remembers, adding that he struggled to “function” as a teacher and scholar.

In 1994, Dr. Perry became Secretary of Defense in the Clinton administration. Among his landmark achievements, he organized the dismantlement of 8,000 nuclear weapons – half in the US and half in Russia. He left his post in 1997, and on returning to California, he rejoined Stanford University. Today, he is the Michael and Barbara Berberian Professor (emeritus) at Stanford, senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and the Hoover Institution, and director of the Preventive Defense Project.

At the recommendation of a friend, he came to Pacific Hearing Service in 2004. The treatment that the team gave him made a world of difference. “[I was] very satisfied with the service,” he said. “[The] hearing aids made a noticeable improvement over the sound amplifiers I was using.”

We’re extremely proud that Dr. Perry trusts us to provide him with hearing care services to this day. It’s been truly amazing to assist him over so many years and help him connect with people all around the world.

// Patient Story

Theodore H. Geballe – or Ted to his friends – is one of the most eminent American physicists of his generation. The whole team at Pacific Hearing Service is proud to have assisted Ted with his hearing care needs for more than a decade.

Born in San Francisco, Ted obtained his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley. But just after finishing this in 1941, he was called up to the US military.

Once back in California, he returned to UC Berkeley, where he gained a PhD in physical chemistry in 1949. He then joined Bell Labs – known as the “Idea Factory” and written about in Jon Gertner’s New York Times Bestseller of the same name – where he remained until 1970.

“It seemed that almost every day there was a new invention, some quite notable like the Bell Solar Battery,” Ted remembers from the early 1950s at the company.  “When I went there, it was three years after the transistor had been invented and devices changed from glass tubes to solids. The New York Times pointed out the advantage that you would not have to wait for the radio to warm up.”

Between 1975-78, Ted was chair of the Department of Applied Physics at Stanford University, and afterwards, he became director of the center for materials research until 1988. Today, he is professor emeritus of applied physics at Stanford University, and he only stopped teaching a few years ago.

However, back in the mid-2000s, while in his 80s, he recognized a serious hearing loss.

The Stanford University physicians that he consulted said that there was nothing that could be done for his condition. But Burt McMurtry – the legendary university leader and philanthropist – recommended that he try Pacific Hearing Service. His initial experiences were very positive.

“The people there were very competent and wanted to help me,” he says, thinking back to his first visit. “They actually knew what they were doing, and they were cheerful about it, too!”

Our doctors of audiology didn’t just prescribe Ted with excellent hearing aids, which significantly improved his quality of life. They also presented him with a separate microphone, so he could hear students and other guest speakers more clearly in university auditoriums.

“That worked pretty well!” Ted says happily. “I was able to converse with students in an open room.”

Since this point onward, he has never trusted anyone else to look after his hearing healthcare needs. And today, at the age of 100, the whole team would like to say, “Thank you, Ted.” It’s been a pleasure assisting you for so many years.

// Patient Story

I noticed in meetings that I couldn’t hear what women were saying. I felt bad because I was essentially ignoring them since I was too embarrassed to keep making them repeat themselves. I was concerned about making an appointment as I worked at a university with a lot of young people and didn’t want to look like an old guy with hearing aids. (I’m bald so wouldn’t be able to hide them under my hair.)

Pacific Hearing Service is well-equipped to diagnose and treat hearing problems. Brook is a great listener and worked hard to understand my specific situation.  My hearing is very close to normal now. The hearing aids I have are completely invisible. I can hear men’s and women’s voices equally well.

– Michael S. 10 out of 10.

// Patient Story

Ten years ago, a friend recommended that I should contact Pacific Hearing for my hearing needs. I am glad I did! Since then, I have returned the favor by recommending Pacific Hearing to several of my friends.

If you are looking for a team of professionals who has your best interest at heart, I recommend the Menlo Park office of Pacific Hearing. If you are looking for professionals with initiative, integrity, and intelligence, you will find them working at Pacific Hearing.

Dr. Lisi, supported by an able team, has been my doctor for ten years. I trust her and each member of her team because they treat me as an individual, with full knowledge of my needs. They also keep me abreast of new developments that may be helpful to improve the quality of my hearing and life.

In 2018, I was T-boned by a driver who ran a red light. Immediately after the accident, I had trouble with my hearing. My wife called Pacific Hearing from the scene of the accident, and ten minutes later, I was seen by a professional who tested my hearing and made sure all possible difficulties were addressed. That is the kind of support and attention to customer needs you will get from Pacific Hearing.

Another aspect I appreciate of Pacific Hearing is the friendly family atmosphere that permeates the office. While professional in the discharge of their profession, everyone makes time and space to hear your needs and answer your questions. I feel I am part of the Pacific Hearing family.

Thank you, Pacific Hearing!

– Marcelo Gumucio

// Patient Story

I had a bad ear infections while in my 20s and my hearing problems worsened over the years. I was concerned that hearing aids wouldn’t work and would be annoying, however my first experience of Pacific Hearing Service was wonderful. Everything was explained, so I understand – we had good discussions about the medical and the technical aspects.

Hearing aids are half way between an assistive device and a superpower! Now I can stand to be in restaurants and I don’t feel isolated in groups of people. Since hearing is a part of balance and knowing where one’s body is in space, I also feel less clumsy.

The audiologists at Pacific Hearing Service are kind, generous, and caring. They make things better.

– Jon C, Sept 2020. 10 out of 10.

// Patient Story

I first noticed tinnitus about 20 years ago and high frequency loss about 10 years ago. Given that I was new to hearing aids, I didn’t want to go to an audiologist that would rush me in and out and would not provide enough time or help for me to make an informed choice of hearing aid.

I was pleasantly surprised that when I first called, a helpful person answered and set up a free consultation with the co-owner Dr. Baxter. By comparison, I called another audiologist and got a recording from someone who seemed rushed and unhelpful, offering only to schedule an appointment.

I would highly recommend PHS to a friend, because I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the hearing test and programming of the aids. I also valued their honest interest in taking the time to answer my questions and help me make the right choice of device and their lending program that allowed me to try out different aids before buying.

–  Roger L, Sept 2020. 10 out of 10.

// Patient Story

I first noticed I had a problem with my hearing when I realized I was catching every third word when attending a lecture and the other two were mumbled.  I had the same experience at a movie.

If you don’t hear well, it can affect your cognitive ability over time. I didn’t want to be one of those old people who keep asking “What?” or “Pardon Me”!

I visited Pacific Hearing Service and they took so much time in testing with amazing diagnostics and then additional time explaining. They were so professional and caring. It was a fabulous experience, the very best, and I felt 14 again!

–  Helen I, August 2020. 10 out of 10.

// Patient Story

I was in my late 40’s when I noticed that I was having difficulty hearing people talking – especially in restaurants and similar noisy environments. I wanted to have an audiologist who keeps up with all of the latest hearing-aid technologies so I visited Pacific Hearing Service.

All of the staff are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly, and the office is spacious, modern, and very comfortable. Dr. Clark has made it easy for me to understand and benefit from the latest hearing aid products. I have benefited tremendously from Dr. Clark’s knowledgeable, thoughtful, and friendly help.

– Susan M., August 2020. 10 out of 10.

// Patient Story

Like many people, writer and NPR contributor Debbie Duncan’s children were the first to notice that she had a hearing loss. And after some coaxing, she finally went for a check-up.

“The audiologist at my medical clinic tested my hearing,” Debbie remembers. “Then she immediately gave me a brochure saying, ‘Okay, you need to pick one of these devices because you’ve got a problem. And the sooner you do it, the better it will be for your brain.’”

Debbie took her advice and invested in a pair of hearing aids. But the devices didn’t fit her that well, so she only wore them when she attended events or lectures.

A few years later, a friend recommended that she talk to the experts at Pacific Hearing Service. This is where she met Dr. Clark, clinical audiologist at the Los Altos office.

“She’s wonderful,” Debbie says. “She figured out that I have a weirdly shaped right ear. She made wearing hearing devices comfortable.”

Dr. Clark also introduced Debbie to a new brand of hearing aid, Widex. Since then, she’s never thought about switching to another manufacturer. “I can’t tell I have them in my ears, so I wear them all the time,” Debbie says. “And I know that’s important for the health of my brain.”

One of the best aspects about her current hearing aids is their Bluetooth capability – which lets her stream digital content straight to her ears.

“It’s how I listen to podcasts. It’s how I listen to audiobooks,” she says. “I’m grateful for that every day.”

Debbie also found that she could wear her hearing devices with the headphones she needs to use when recording Perspectives for KQED radio. So whether she’s at home or at the studio, she can now clearly hear the sounds—and people—that matter to her the most.

Today, she’s happy to let others know about her hearing aids. “I don’t hide them,” she says. “I liked that I could get them in red. My parents had ‘hearing aids.’ I call these ‘my ears.’”

// Patient Story

For many years, Elaine spent much of her time helping her mother come to terms with her hearing loss.

While she was successful in her mission, this only camouflaged a problem which she had been avoiding – her own hearing loss.

As there was such a vast contrast between her mother’s hearing and her own, it made her own hearing loss seem disguisable.

Looking back, she pieces together many occasions where her hearing loss was obvious to others. She says, for example, “When I was a secretary of an elementary school, I would see my boss, who was the principal.

“Whenever I was talking on the phone, she would close the door. I suspect I was talking quite loudly.”

It was only until she took her mom to get a hearing test that she uncovered the severity of her concerns. However, the first step wasn’t easy.

“I had a hard time convincing my mother who was 94 at the time. She kept saying, ‘What did you say? What did you say?’

“We found a really nice lady who tested my mother. She found that the hearing pattern she had was genetic and she encouraged me to get a test.”

With her mother living in the San Francisco Bay area and Elaine residing in the Silicon Valley, the doctor recommended a practitioner who was close by to Elaine. She goes by the name Dr. Peg Lisi.

In truth, it can be intimidating visiting a clinic for the first time. But as soon as Elaine walked through the door, she knew she was in the right place.

“They welcomed me and were so professional. When I met with Dr. Lisi, she was just wonderful.”

After all of those years camouflaging her hearing loss with lip reading, she was faced with a difficult conversation, and she recalls that she “knew she was in trouble.”

From the results, Dr. Lisi could see that it was a genetic pattern and told Elaine that she was “going to need hearing aids.”

Sensibly, she decided to take her feedback on board and didn’t have any trouble accepting the fact that she needed hearing aids.

While she was pretty much certain in her decision, Dr. Lisi was eager to show her the difference she would expect to experience.

“She said, ‘Let’s go outside,’ and when we went outside, a whole world was open to me.

“All of a sudden, I could hear noises I hadn’t heard. Birds. There’s a restaurant next to Pacific Hearing. I could actually hear the people talking in the restaurant.

“And the first thing I noticed was the crickets chirping outside. I’d never heard all of this before. It was amazing.”

After that, she was sold.

Elaine’s hearing aids have affected many aspects of her life, including her relationships with her family and friends. However, there was one extra positive that surprised her.

“When you’re trying to hear, it puts more stress on you. When you’re talking loudly to get your point across, it is very stressful.

“I think I’m a calmer person because of it.”

It’s no lie that Elaine’s life has been turned around by her hearing aids. What impressed Elaine the most was the long-term benefits she wasn’t expecting to receive from her investment.

“They give you six months’ worth of batteries. If you were to buy them at the store, they’re very expensive. They come in wheels of 12, so that’s another plus.”

While Elaine understands that the journey to better hearing is not always easy, she encourages others to visit Pacific Hearing Service.

“They’re really excellent, accommodating. They treat you like a million dollars and they’re very, very kind. They really know their stuff.

“When you get a hearing test there, you know you’re getting the best.”

// Patient Testimonial

My husband and I would like to thank you for your patience and professionalism in helping us over the difficult hurdle of using hearing aids. I was particularly negative at first. You were sympathetic, but firm in educating and continuing the process of fitting and adjusting the hearing aids to meet our specific requirements. Our first meeting after two weeks of using our new hearing aids was very constructive. Brook listened to our daily trials and experiences and solved the few minor problems that arose. It is a month now and both of us feel quite comfortable wearing our hearing aids a full day. I have gone from a negative to a positive approach and attitude.

// Brian C.

Having spent years now with an 85% hearing loss in my right ear, I decided to consult with Pacific Hearing Service to understand what technology advancements had occurred more recently in hearing devices. From battling through cross-talk during business meetings to straining at the movie theater to hear my kids’ whispers, I was growing increasingly uncomfortable that I was missing important information.

The new device that Dr. Raguskus showed me was so elegant and inconspicuous, it was almost invisible to others.

The moment I put it in my ear, the difference was impressive. I was immediately hearing sounds I wasn’t able to pick up before and the comfort and sound quality was amazing.

Thank you, Dr. Raguskus, for giving me back my hearing!

// Ellie Mansfield

Years ago, I realized that I couldn’t hear normal, everyday noises. As my father wore hearing aids, I had no hesitation in treatment. My first experience of Pacific Hearing Service was favorable and warm. They were willing to answer questions, and someone from Pacific Hearing Service came out to The Forum on a regular basis. The impact of addressing my hearing challenges has opened up better communication for me. They are excellent, caring, and understanding.

// Marcelo A. Gumucio

I first realized that I had a hearing challenge 7 years ago when I had to ask people to repeat what they were saying. Upon visiting Pacific Hearing Service,  I found them to be very professional, thorough and a friendly group of people. Hearing is a major need for most of us and hearing clearly has enhanced the quality of my life. I continue to recommend Pacific Hearing Service to many of my friends and some, not all have become patients.

// Patient Testimonial

[Pacific Hearing Service] has improved my hearing far more than I could have hoped. You took out the harsh sounds and made hearing almost pleasant. I can even hear the TV, which surprised me. I said “hear,” but I mean understand. I talked to my son on the phone at length, something I had not been able to do….You have amazed me!

// Patient Testimonial

My wife’s hearing aid quit in AM; she had a stroke in PM. Without the hearing aid, she could not hear doctors or instructions. Natalie Dedrick immediately set me up with a loaner hearing device, which helped my wife dramatically during recovery. Outstanding personality and customer service!

// Maureen Maino

My social interactions are more enjoyable because of the help I received at Pacific Hearing Service. The hearing devices have especially improved my musical appreciation. The staff, including Dr. Clark and everyone in the front office, are professional and make the visits easy.

// A New Client

I am enjoying conversations with friends and family life, in general, more because of the help I have received at Pacific Hearing Service. The front office staff is great and Dr. Brook is so helpful and patient, we wish we would have come in sooner!

// Patient Testimonial

I find working more enjoyable now because of the efforts of Pacific Hearing Service. My activities have been significantly enhanced through the work of Dr. Otto.

// Betty C. Schott

I can hear conversations and whispers now. I didn’t realize I was missing so much!

Dr. Otto was exceptionally good – patient and caring. I never realized I would have so much guidance.

// Jim C

I’m here in my office with Govi playing on my middle of the road computer sound system…enjoying every moment.

The joy that I receive with my hearing aids is wonderful. The highs would otherwise be totally missed without my aids. With the aids, I hear a full dynamic range. Big fun.

Thank you so much for the service you provide.

// John W

I’m proud to wear hearing aids because it shows that I acknowledge that I have a hearing loss and that I’ve taken the initiative to address the issue.

And by wearing an aid it’s for your benefit as well as mine because it lets us communicate better!