California Hearing Center & Audiology Services
Clinic staff
Darcy Benson
Dr. Darcy Benson, audiologist & practice owner, has a dedication to the field of hearing care that stretches far beyond her clinic. With over 30 years of experience, her focus is on providing patient-centered care and in improving her patients' lives through better hearing. In 2018, she was awarded the Inspired-by-Ida label, a benchmark of quality of care, by the international non-profit organization, Ida Institute.
Prior to private practice, Dr. Benson was the director of audiology at the California Ear Institute at Stanford and carried out clinical research at ReSound Corporation, at the time a hearing device start up company in Redwood City, CA. She received her clinical doctorate in Audiology in 2006.
Dr. Benson is active in the field of audiology and is a consultant for a variety of companies carrying out research on new technology and fitting systems. As a former member of the board of directors of the California Academy of Audiology, she helped advocate for the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing. Her work has been published in professional journals and audiology textbooks.
Lais Ama
Lais Ama, hearing instrument specialist, brings to the practice 17 years of experience in providing hearing healthcare from her native country of Brazil. There she received a bachelor's degree in audiology and studied under a well-known otologist at the Pontifica Universidade Catholica. She worked at the University of Sao Paolo with another world-renowned otologist . 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. 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.


Geleeza Idolyantes
Geleeza's smile and enthusiasm for helping her patients shines through in every interaction with them. With a bachelor's degree in Communicative Disorders & Deaf studies, graduate studies in audiology and licensed as a hearing aid dispenser, she is dedicated to providing quality of life improvements through hearing health care. She believes that hearing and listening are key to communication and our ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships with our friends and family.


Samantha Ramirez
Dr. Ramirez believes that, “hearing better begins with making informed decisions with trusted providers”. Our newest member of our team, Dr. Ramirez is a budding leader in the field of audiology. She is board certified by the American Board of Audiology and is licensed dispensing audiologist in the State of California. Dr. Ramirez is an active member of the California Academy of Audiology and the American Academy of Audiology. She iscurrently serving on two committees of the national organization.
Dr. Ramirez received her Doctor of Audiology degree at Wayne State University, Detroit , MI and completed her audiology fellowship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Redwood City, CA.
Clinic reviews
Read 31 verified patient reviews for California Hearing Center & Audiology Services! Their average review score is 4.9 () from 31 reviews.
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“Very helpful and informative.”
10/26/2019 Review submitted online
“I met with Geleeza and she went to great lengths to review the tests, etc., with me. I had to go to an Ear, Nose Doctor first and then back to the Hearing Center for tests. I was very pleased with the facility.”
07/30/2019 Review submitted online
“The audiologist was informative and helpful. I look forward to hearing better and will continue to use their services.”
07/20/2019 Review submitted online
“Very knowledgeable and professional. Not rushed. Took all the time that was needed. Top technology products.”
06/20/2019 Review submitted online
“I found California Hearing Center when I moved to California in 2013. As a person with moderate hearing loss in both ears, I must have good hearing aids and a provider I can trust. The staff - both audiologists and technicians - at the Center are professional and thorough. I feel confident and safe. Any concerns or difficulties are treated with respect and care. Finally, the cost of services is significantly less than clinics in San Francisco where I live. The drive to San Mateo is well worth the time and effort. ”
06/06/2019 Review submitted online
“I switched from another provider. Very pleased that I did. Staff very professional, attentive, and patient with their patients (confirmed by me). Haven't heard a negative word about them.”
05/05/2019 Review submitted online
“I am extremely satisfied with my experience at CHC in San Carlos. I had had no help with my previous hearing aid place after many complaints that I was not hearing. My granddaughter who lives in Colorado researched and booked me an appointment with Darcy Benson. It was incredible service and fitting of my new hearing aids. I now hear so well, I probably hear more than I want to.”
04/06/2019 Review submitted online
“I have worn hearing aids for many years and have worked with four different hearing aid providers. California Hearing is definitely the best one I have used. Their service is comprehensive and professional, including providing me with temporary hearing aids while mine received warranty service. They keep me well informed on maintaining and protecting my devices which saves me money. They also keep me informed of software and hardware changes and new features in professional manner. I highly recommend California Hearing.”
03/06/2019 Review submitted online
“The clinic provides excellent service. The evaluation and treatment were thorough. My case required a little extra time which the staff generously allowed. Their recommendations for hearing aids were sensible and responsive to my particular needs. I am thankful for their good work.”
01/14/2019 Review submitted online
“As Always, the warranty service on my 2 years aids done to a perfection. Thank you CalHearing Team. ”
01/11/2019 Review submitted online
“I began noticing changes in my hearing two years ago. I was unable to hear or understand everything a speaker said when I was attending a lecture or in church. A friend told me that there were two people in his extended family that needed hearing aids and refused to get them. He noticed that they were becoming more and more isolated and withdrawn at holiday dinners because they could not hear what was being discussed and he suggested that I get them sooner than later. I saw Darcy and she was able to provide me with hearing aids that have been easy for me to adjust to. I am grateful for her understanding, expertise and friendliness. ”
01/11/2019 Review submitted online
“I have been using California Hearing for far more years than I can remember. Not only are the aid that Darcy recommended, the service is outstanding. I frequently recommend California Hearing to all you are experiencing a hearing problem.”
12/13/2018 Review submitted online
“I have met with Darcy just once, for evaluation and testing, but it was an excellent experience. She asked lots of questions about the various situations that are difficult for me -- conversations, tv, theatre style events and performances, restaurants, etc. She even went online to find out the hearing assistance systems in a couple of the venues that we regularly visit. I look forward to having my hearing aids in a couple of weeks. ”
11/08/2018 Review submitted online
“Everything about California Hearing Center was great. I especially liked working with Lais, who was clear in all her instructions, and took care to listen to all my concerns. ”
11/01/2018 Review submitted online
“Very satisfied with California Hearing and Lais Amas. Hearing devices work well and as claimed. Lais took the time to fit my preferences. Good explanations, follow up services, on time appointments. One repair needed was timely and covered by warranty. I purchased high end devices although lower price options were available. Reasonable prices for service parts, accessories and check ups.”
09/12/2018 Review submitted online
“I started going to California Hearing Center in 2010.The staff and Darcy are great. Darcy is knowledgeable,caring and helpful. She also listens to you and is patient. I would highly recommend them.”
06/13/2018 Review submitted online
“I liked the service by the audiologist, Laura Street. Very knowledgeable, took time to explain everything. Showed concern to make sure I was satisfied with the fit and sound. ”
04/23/2018 Review received via mail
“They help you hear better, by listening to you, they take the time needed to get it right so you don’t have to keep going back. Everyone is every nice and pleasant, and I’m happy l found out about them. If you're not going to California Hearing Center you're not getting the right service, they have gone the extra mile and helped me with my hearing problems.”
03/08/2018 Review submitted online
“If all businesses were run like California Hearing, everything would be all right. ”
01/04/2018 Review received via mail
“She didn't rush us, took her time, and made sure all our questions were answered.”
05/05/2015 Review verified by phone
“She was very nice, accommodating, and answered questions. It was a very pleasant experience.”
03/31/2015 Review verified by phone
“They listened to our comments. They presented their merchandise and they told us what they felt was best. Everyone was helpful. It's close by and easy to get in with the walker. ”
01/16/2015 Review verified by phone
“She was very thorough.”
12/19/2014 Review verified by phone
“They were informative and polite.”
03/21/2014 Review verified by phone
“Very articulate and nice. Did a wonderful job. ”
01/08/2014 Review verified by phone
“Kind, courteous and caring. Very professional. ”
01/08/2014 Review verified by phone
“They were factual and objective, well informed.”
12/19/2013 Review verified by phone
“She was very nice and worked very well with my mother.”
09/19/2012 Review verified by phone
“They answer your questions and show how to take care of your hearing aids with the tools they give you. They are prompt on your appointment and also have a parking lot for us. My new hearing aid is so much better, pricey, but well worth it. ”
03/09/2012 Review received via mail
“They were very open and answered all my questions.”
02/01/2012 Review verified by phone
“Darcy and her staff are exceptional professionals in every respect – their knowledge of audiology and their skills in deploying that knowledge for the patient's genuine benefit. But, even more, they have a friendly and reassuring style of interacting with the new patient, puzzled and probably frightened about hearing loss. At the other end of the "spectrum" are those of us who are experienced with continuing hearing decrement over time. I have always been reassured that whatever comes my way will be successfully handled by California Hearing Center. I have worn a variety of instruments for nearly 40 years and CHC is the finest group of audiological professionals I have ever encountered.”
12/13/2011 Review submitted online
Clinic details
About this hearing center
At the California Hearing Center, we understand the important role that hearing plays in your life. We want to make sure you are hearing at your best so that you don’t miss anything. Our experienced staff uses the latest technology available to provide a thorough hearing evaluation. Once we’ve determined your hearing profile, we will make the appropriate recommendations for improving your hearing. We offer the latest in hearing technology and will help you choose the solution that fits your lifestyle and budget. We consider it a privilege to help you improve your life through better hearing and strive to provide the best possible care.
We offer two locations for your convenience:
88 N. San Mateo Drive San Mateo, CA 94401
1008 Laurel Street San Carlos, CA 94070
Hearing care services
- Hearing evaluation
- Hearing aids
- Fitting and programming
- Auditory brain training
- Service and repair
- Custom hearing protection
- Custom in-ear monitors & sleeves
- Ear wax removal
- Tinnitus sound therapy
Hours of operation
Sunday | Closed |
Monday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Tuesday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Wednesday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Thursday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
Friday | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm |
Saturday | Closed |
Clinic links
Accepted forms of payment
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Cash
- Check
- Debit
- Financing available for those who qualify
- Insurance accepted, please call for details