I have long-term hearing loss from motorcycles, rock and roll concerts, and the blasts from shotguns and rifles. Its been over 42 years that I have suffered from tinnitus. My current aids were not really doing the job, even though they are less than a year old. I just wasn't happy with them. So, I went to see Dr. Miles. He provided me with a new pair of Oticons. They are FABULOUS! I don't understand the technology, but apparently it monitors all the sounds at about 100 times a second. Here's what it says on its website: "Powered by the Velox™ platform, the newest BrainHearing™ solution from Oticon employs an "open sound" approach to manage multiple speech and noise sources, even in complex listening situations. The company says the new OpenSound Navigator™ scans the environment 100 times per second to analyze and balance every sound individually. Environmental sounds are said to be accessible, but not disturbing. With this open sound experience, Oticon reports that it makes traditional directionality, designed to focus on the main sound in front and suppress background sounds, a thing of the past. Users can now focus on a conversation while staying attentive to people and things around them, and switch focus quickly and easily." Now again, I don't understand it all exactly, but the aids have been really working well. Oticon also has an app for the phone that makes it easy and unobtrusive to control the volume. You don't have to pick the ambient noise quality (e.g., car, restaurant, etc.) because it is doing that all automatically. At least that's what I think its doing. Great hearing aids! I haven't been this happy with hearing aids in a long time. Patric Kelly read more

Ritchie Blanco at Hearing Life always makes himself available to address issues with my Oticon hearing aids in a timely manner. As I can't hear without them prompt and effective service is crucial. Ritchie is professional, friendly and knowledgeable, as is their entire staff. I've been a patient at this office for over 15 years. Ron Levi read more

Richie was fantastic, I've never had an aural exam go so well. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful, patient, and I really, really, really appreciate speaking with a professional who speaks English. No offense to any other medical professional. It made our communication easier. And the adjustments he made were perfect. I can hear again! read more

This is the best place to go for help with your hearing aids, or to purchase new hearing aids and have a hearing test. The staff is the best I have found. Ritchie can help with any problem. I know because I've had quite a few. read more

Richie at Hearing Life is always available to quickly service my hearing aids. His is professional, and friendly. I highly recommend Hearing life. read more

When this practice was still run by Dr. Miles, it was run on the basis of truly caring for patients. When Dr. Miles retired and HearingLife took over, I became incredibly disappointed. The people that work there are good at what they do, but the fact that a new set of the same hearing devices I currently own would now cost me $4500 AFTER my insurance pays 100% is just absurd. Billing patients simply just because you can is not a good practice. If I could order them directly from the manufacturer, the complete cost would be covered by my insurance. I'm now in the process of finding a new office that exists to HELP the patients. Ritchie is the only reason my review is 3 stars instead of 1. read more

I visited Hearing life a while back because I have an M1 notch in my hearing. The fellow did an excellent job evaluating my loss and whether an aid might help me. He and I together decided that an aid would hardly be an improvement. So the problem appears to be that once you get on their radar list you keep getting calls and mailers with out fail. And you can never get off regardless if you talk to a person or use their electronic option. I have tried five times now. If it didn't work a year ago it's not going to work when I'm now older. read more

This was a decent provider until HearingLife bought them. Then they made it impossible to call and talk to a person at this site. Voicemail maze plus nonlocal humans. Then they made it impossible to make your next appointment at the end of the current visit. Then they call and make appointments for hearing tests which turn out to be something else when you get there. Plus lots of papermail spam. The technicians at the site are competent and friendly, if you can get through to them, but appear overworked. The fools who call from the main office plainly regard customer time as valueless. And I suspect they are setting me up to be conned into replacing perfectly good hearing aids because they are "getting old". Service for my current aids was part of the deal, till I replace them. If and when that happens it won't be with this provider. read more

Poor communication meets greed. Needed my hearing tubes replaced. Called, the receptionist checked my patient record and informed me they could do it at no charge. Just come in during "walk-in" hours. I arrive, show them the problem and they inform me they will charge me $150.00. Wow!! I figure I'm here, I'm shocked, but I'm going on a trip this evening. Give her the devices and a few minutes later out come my hearing aids. I then give her my credit card and she informs me that the charge is not zero, not $150.00, but $300.00!! Since Dr. Mills left, things here have changed from health provider to an unabashed cash register. read more

I took my daughter (age 6) to this center to get new earmolds, and they said they would contact us when they came in to come pick them up. This usually takes 2-3 weeks. Over a month later, I still have not heard anything, so I call them to check on the status. They say that their system is down, and that they will call me back. No mention that the system has BEEN down for an extended period of time (a week or more, according to the lady I just talked to), and there is no end in sight. So I wait a week with no return call, and I call again this AM. The molds are in (yay!) but I can't pick them up (excuse me, what??) because their system is still down. Again, no attempt to contact me to explain the situation and let me decide if I want to come pick up the molds without an appt, or wait until they get their system fixed. Let me be clear here. My daughter is young. Language is the base of all learning: reading, math, critical thinking, all of it. My child needs her earmolds in order to get all the information around her. This is important, and if a doctor's office can't take steps to make sure their patients have their equipment when it's THEIR system that is faulty, this is a big problem, in my mind. read more

After reading the many positive reviews about Hearwell Audiology on Yelp, I decided to bite the bullet and make an appointment. There is an option on their web page to request an appointment which I dutifully filled out. After waiting two days with no reply I assumed that part of the web page wasn't working like it should and picked up the telephone. The receptionist booked me for a hearing test in a week and a half. Dr. Snyder is a wonderful lady who took the time to explain very thoroughly what the hearing test was all about and what they were testing. After the test, she explained the results to me and we took a look at the different styles available and the cost. I explained the her that I had approximately $2K in my FSA account so she offered to have the receptionist contact my insurance and see if I could get any help from them. This was a week ago and I still haven't heard from anyone. I know I need hearing aids. I want to buy hearing aids and have the money to do so. Perhaps Hearwell has more business than they can handle. I don't know what the issue is. However, if I'm going to be spending this kind of money it would be nice to give it to someone who makes me feel appreciated as a patient. read more

I came to get a hearing test. As my husband kept complaining I never could hear or understand him, unless he was yelling. The hearing test was very detailed and professional. Dr DeCastro was excellent and very detailed. As a result I was fitted with some great hearing aids. Dr DeCastro was excellent in explaining the use and care of. My husband is very happy with our conversations and we can talk normally. I strongly recommend going here to correct any hearing problems you may have. read more

I went to Dr. Castro to replace my hearing aid. On my first visit she ran three different types of hearing tests to get the right reading. It took a week for the hearing aid to come in. Dr. Castro took time to explain everything to me and to get it fitted properly. Even though I had a followup appointment scheduled, she called me a couple days later to check and see how I was doing. Great follow-up. I have been back twice for some minor adjustments. I never feel rushed and she answers all of my questions and concerns. The office staff is super. They make you feel like you have been a patient for years. They are always willing to answer your questions. I would highly recommend Hearwell. read more

I thought it might be a good time to update my review. Dr. DeCastro has moved away and now I see Dr. Janet Snyder. She's great. Patient, takes time to explain everything, and detail oriented. Also, importantly, she is up to date on the latest technology. The office folks are really great too. read more

Here is my experience as a long time customer of this place... I have a pair of hearing aids already, I have bought 3 pairs from them so far (From Center for Better Hearings, now a part of HearingLife). My devices are out of warranty at this time. Last year I had a problem with my hearing aids and they charged me an expensive fee to send them to the manufacturer to get them fixed... I paid the $800 fee to get them fixed ($400 each device)... This year I wanted to get the plastic part where the receiver goes fixed and the lady "Charis Yip" told me that I had to pay $500 for one device to send it to the manufacturer to get it fixed (Just a little piece of plastic for $500, who in the right state of the mind would ask for this much for a piece of plastic without even trying to fix it?) Then she told me I had to pay another $500 to send the second device in to get the extortion fixed on it... Then she clearly started selling new devices to me as I started to ask her why is it so expensive to get them fixed? She was screaming at me, yes I have hearing lost but I can hear fine with my hearing aids on... you know! She started telling me that my devices are getting old and there is a program that the manufacturer would allow me to trade my old devices in and take out two new devices for $6500- $6800... Anyways, long story short, I am unhappy with them for a few reasons: 1. She did not even take the time to listen to my challenge and what I needed to get done... 2. They are very expensive, don't get me wrong, I am all in for businesses to make money but $500 per device seems to be excessive... 3. Their scheduling was messed up, they told me I could walk- in so I did and they did not even want to let me in after keeping me outside their office for 20- 25 minutes... Here is what I did instead of using this place and I recommend everybody to do the same: 1. I called the manufacture company (Phonak) at 1-800-679-4871 and shared my story with them about the expensive cost of having to pay to get my hearing aids fixed. 2. They emailed me 3 of their authorized dealers that would be able to help me in my area. 3. I called Samaritan Hearing & Balance Center (A part of Stanford Health Care) at 408-402-5905. 4. They saw me the same day and fixed all of my problems for free. YES YOU HEARD THAT RIGHT FREE OF CHARGE (Where HearingLife had asked for $1000 of charges to get my hearing aids fixed) 5. Ask for Mrs. Azar or Deanna and they are willing to help people that are in need specially during this Covid- 19 crisis... I am not saying anything bad about HearingLife, I just simply wanted to share my experience so you keep your options open... That's all Have a good day read more

I have had a wonderful experience at Hearing Life. I can't say enough good things about Michael Martinez and his professionalism, competence, thoroughness, understanding and ability to get to know my needs and personalize his service. The staff is very friendly and helpful as well. read more

Great service. I have found that batteries and earbud caps and obstruction removal were included in the price of my devices. Friendly and fair. (p.s. it was painful to have the earbud removed from my ear canal because eardrums are very sensitive so don't yank out your hearing aids leaving the earbuds behind... and then don't poke and prod and try to pull them out with tweezers) read more

I'm a college student living in the dorms this year and had a major problem with noise. The dorms have been very loud at all hours of the night and I could not sleep. Hearwell made me custom ear plugs that I wear every night. I do not hear a thing anymore. I have not only been able to sleep so well, but my dorm has been so quiet. Overall, these earplugs have been life changing and I highly recommend them to anyone facing noise problems read more

I just brought my son in for a hearing test here this morning. I was very impressed by Dr. John Miles and his staff. They were professional but incredibly friendly, which really helped my toddler feel comfortable in a strange new place. I highly recommend Dr. Miles to other parents looking for a place to bring their children. First time my son didn't cry at a doctor's office. It was a pleasant surprise. read more

Love Dr. DeCastro! My 3 year old son loves the doctor and getting diagnostics there. But he didn't like anyone touch his ears before. So great job and thanks to Dr. DeCastro for her patience and professionalism! read more

Excellent service and staff. Very enjoyable experience with a medical professional

My Dad, a senior citizen, has been going to Hearwell for hearing aides, audiological exams etc. for years, and Dr. Miles and all of his staff have always been incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, patient and available. If he has a problem with his aides, he is able to do a drop in, where he gets help in figuring out what the problem is, and getting batteries,filters etc. Cindy,who is there on Fridays, has been particularly wonderful in her patient manner and ability to understand my Dad's needs, and resolving whatever problems and adjustments he may have at any given time. Thank you! read more

I went in for a hearing check, everyone was very professional and did a excellent job. Very very good at what they do. 5 STARS ! F. Wiswell read more

What a wonderful specialist, caring, personable and professional. The staff really works hard to care for your needs and you. Highly recommend this hearing specialist and staff! read more

Dr. John Miles has been an excellent support person that I know that I can always rely on. Dr. Miles is not only have excellent people skills , he also is very knowledgeable when it comes to working on my ears and hearing aids. I'm thankful and feel blessed to have to John in my life for all the years I've had him and look forward to many more years. The staff at the office have always greeted me with over and beyond friendliness and give their all to make me feel like a patient and not another case or number like the treatment you receive if you have Kaiser. read more

When the ENT specialist at Valley Medical Center recommended a hearing test for my mom, many providers did not have appointments for weeks. But Hearwell responded to my email quickly and said they had a walk-in appointment the next day. I was concerned that medi-cal might not pay for the test, they said they would work with anthem. Everything worked out great. Dr. Snyder made my mom feel very comfortable too. read more

Dr. DeCastro is an excellent, thorough audiologist and a lovely person. I was very happy to work with her on selecting the right devices for me. The office staff is very welcoming and accommodating. I highly recommend this practice. read more

There is some positive development here: they reached out to me to solve the problem. They use email to communicate to my deaf relative now.

If I could give a minus star I would!!! Terrible experience!! I had been in for a hearing test in 2010 I was fitted for hearing aides, I tried them for a week and then returned to the office. The cost of the aides I tried out were $5,000.00 more that I could afford so I told them thank you but no thanks......roll forward to May of 2016, I stopped by made an appointment 3 weeks in advance to have a hearing test and program my hearing aides to my hearing loss. My hearing loss was the result of being a police officer 47 years ago but I was 21 and did not file a workman's comp claim. My current hearing aides were hand me downs from my father who gets new aides every 3 to 4 years from the VA. The Veterans Administration does not want them back, the VA can not pass them on....so he gave them to me. All on the up and up..... I went in today and saw Dr. DeCastro she was nice.....BUT....after a conversation with Dr. DeCastro where I mention the hearing aides were from my father......she tells me she can not program my hearing aide because they are from the VA???? I questioned her reason every way I thought of....finally I said...."So you CAN program them and it is legal for you to do it, You are ABLE to program them......BUT....you refuse to because of "ethical" reasons only because they originally came from the VA...US Army?? she says yes!!! She said you never know where someone gets hearing aides........ E-bay or Craigslist they could be stolen.....WTF!!!! I assured her they were from my father.....she still refused to program the aides, again she said because they were from the VA???? She kept trying to steer me in to claiming it was a workman's comp issue and I should file a claim and purchase new hearing aides....WHY IS THAT HER BUSINESS!! I am so angry!!! I rearranged my schedule to drive to Los Gatos from Gilroy fought Memorial Day traffic...for this bullsh&t !!! I felt it was a bait and switch!! Trying to sell me new hearing aides....If there was any reason Dr would not program hearing aides why was I not asked where I got them when I made the appointment in person!!!!???? I got home talked to 2 other Audiologist offices and they said that her refusing to program them only because they came from the VA is completely ridiculous, laughed at the absurdity. They both offered to program them with a free hearing test!!! I WILL NEVER ENTER THIS OFFICE AGAIN....AND Hearwell lost out of the $150.00 they quoted me for the work and could have earned.....What does she have against the VA??? Your political/personal views or feelings have no place in health care. read more

I just got back from an initial appointment with Dr Miles and was so pleased and impressed with him and his overall operation that I felt compelled to express my satisfaction. It started with a cheerful, friendly and competent front office staff that made me feel right at home. I only had to wait a very short period before Dr Miles greeted me and proceeded to give the most thorough and meaningful exam I have ever experienced. I am in my 80's and have had hearing problems over the last 20 years and have been to 6 different audiologists so I do have a basis of comparison. From the onset he was very friendly, knowledgeable, compassionate, patient and professional. He carefully explained how the human ear works so I could better comprehend my gradual hearing loss and answered all of my questions. I have never been exposed to some of more modern, hi tech equipment he used during the exam and felt that he explored all of the potential weaknesses in my hearing system. After the thorough exam, we explored solutions to boost my hearing. He never tried to pressure me into purchasing high-cost options but carefully listened to my objectives and budgetary constraints with complete understanding. As a result we selected a set of hearing aids which I believe will meet my expectations within my budget. After that was done, he volunteered to tweak the hearing aid I was wearing resulting in a noticeably much improved performance. In summary, Dr Miles is "the best" and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a top notch audiologist. You can't go wrong! read more

I have been seeing Dr.Miles for over three years and have consistently received excellent service by both he and his staff. The staff is warm and welcoming and Dr.Miles is compassionate as well as very professional and an excellent communicator. I would highly recomemend their services. read more

What a wonderful experience! Everyone from the front desk to the audiologists are knowledgeable, helpful and professional. What a difference they have made in my life - I never realized how much I was missing. I can hear conversations clearly and am able to participate fully instead of sitting there smiling and trying to read lips! The hearing aids are so small and designed so well they are nearly undetectable - even with very short hair! Sincere thanks to Janet Snyder-Miles, Au.D!! read more

I was looking for an audiologist with experience in making soft silicone ear impressions for custom in-ear monitors, otherwise known as CIEMs. These are similar to ear pods for music listening, but are custom tailored to fit into a person's ear. I was very pleasantly surprised that Dr. DeCastro was quite familiar with the process and even used Westone silicone, which is one of the three brands recommended by the CIEM manufacturer. She took great care to ensure a proper impression, even repeating one of the ears because the first attempt did not meet her expectations. The cost was a pleasant surprise as well. Highly recommended. read more

I was referred to HearWell Audiology in Los Gatos, after having a family discussion about hearing loss. Ann Clock happened to be present, and referred me to Janet Snyder-Miles, Au.D. I made an appointment, and from the moment I entered the office, I was made to feel welcome and comfortable. The examination was thorough, friendly, and comprehensive. I chose the proper devices, with the Janet's assistance. I could not be more thrilled with the results! read more

We have been going to Dr. Miles for several years for my daughter. She was a child when we first saw him and she is now a teenager. I can say he is fantastic with children and he is fantastic with teenagers. He is also great with adults. He explains everything very well. He is competent. He is also very ethical and honest. The previous place we went to before him wanted money for everything. In the previous place, the hearing aid cleaning pick broke and we needed a new one. The old place charged us $5 for it after having spent thousands with them on hearing aids. Not with John. He never charges for these small things. His prices are comparable to others, but his service is unmatched. My daughter just got fitted with new hearing aids. He was so honest and competent. We drive a long way to get to him. There are closer audiologists to us, but we want John because he is the best. We used others before. We also interviewed several others before switching to him many years ago. We will always be his customers because he is outstanding. His staff is also wonderful, very helpful, competent, and kind. Can you imagine we look forward to going to an audiologist? That is Dr. Miles. My daughter, my wife, and I rate him the best. read more

I have been meaning to write a review about Dr. John Miles for the past few years. This office has been absolutely unbelievable, from the friendly front desk staff to the doctor. I will be the first to admit that getting use to having any sort of hearing loss and then, finally, having to get a hearing aid, is not the easiest thing to do. Dr Miles gave me the most comprehensive hearing test I have ever had. He was not only patient with me during the examination but most of all I could sense his compassion for my problem. He is so easy to talk to! During this period of time we tried various hearing devices until we found just the right one. What made the adjustment to using a device easier was that he was truly listening to my comments, both positive and negative, and never promised results that were unrealistic. My hearing is now dramatically improved. If you are serious about improving your hearing, I would highly recommend Dr. Miles, he is simply the best. read more