Choosing the right professional for your health needs can often feel like a daunting task. With an overwhelming array of options available, particularly when seeking treatment for hearing loss, the path to improved hearing can seem confusing. Fortunately, with the right professional by your side, this journey can become significantly more manageable.
An understanding, empathetic, and skilled audiologist can make all the difference - helping navigate the world of hearing aids, explaining the nuances of your diagnosis, and providing the support and guidance needed to ensure you receive the best care.
That's precisely why we've scoured the internet to find the best clinics in San Francisco, providing you with a comprehensive starting point for your search. Whether you're looking for the latest hearing aid technology, specialist care for a specific condition, or simply a trustworthy professional for regular check-ups, these audiology clinics come highly recommended by patients and peers alike.
Let's delve into the top five audiologists in this city, each renowned for their expertise, patient care, and commitment to helping people navigate the journey to improved hearing.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
Featured in this article
What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a healthcare professional specializing in the study of hearing, balance, and related disorders. They are trained to diagnose, manage, and treat hearing or balance problems for individuals across the lifespan, from newborns to the elderly.
Audiologists hold an advanced degree in audiology (a master's or doctoral degree) and are proficient in a variety of tests and procedures used to assess the auditory and vestibular systems of the ear. In addition to diagnostics, they provide rehabilitation services through hearing aids, cochlear implants, counseling, and other communication strategies.
What makes a good audiologist?
A good audiologist encompasses more than just a strong clinical background; they possess a unique blend of patient care skills critical to the success of their practice. Empathy is the cornerstone of their interaction with patients, as understanding and relating to the emotional experiences associated with hearing loss is essential. Strong listening skills are equally important, not just in the literal sense of interpreting audio tests but in genuinely hearing out a patient's concerns and daily challenges.
They approach each case with a sense of individuality, recognizing that hearing care must be tailored to fit the specific lifestyle, preferences, and needs of each person they treat. This holistic approach to auditory health is what distinguishes a good audiologist from a great one, ensuring patients don't just hear better, but also feel heard and cared for.
And now we'll get to the best audiologists in San Francisco in the next section.
Best Five Audiologists in San Francisco
1. Alice Leung, AuD at the San Francisco Hearing Center
Dr. Leung is a highly skilled audiologist and received her Doctor of Audiology degree from the Arizona School of Health and has been practicing for over 20 years. At the San Francisco Hearing Center, she provides her patients with the latest and most comprehensive hearing treatments. Additionally, Dr. Leung is fluent in three languages, which allows her to provide care to a diverse community.
As we combed through reviews, we found 109 five-star reviews on Google and 6 five-star reviews on Yelp.
One example of a glowing Google review from a patient:
"My first appointment with Alice Leung, was great she is very pleasant, knowledgeable and thorough. She walked me through the different types of hearing aids, and what options and features each one have before I made my decision.
Every appointment I had with her was amazing, I am so glad that I have come to this place for my hearing aids need. The service and care that is provided her is great. The place is very clean and the everyone that works there is very nice. I highly recommend San Francisco Hearing Center located on 1515 Scott St. in San Francisco."
Another fantastic review left on Yelp:
"I've wanted to post a review for some time. I'm on my second pair of hearing aids; first got them in 2009. Alice, who has been helping me, has been great. But today, in the midst of the Covid 19 crisis, an aid wouldn't work and Annie, another staff member, picked up the aid, fixed it, and brought it back.
I only live a block or so from the store, but I'm over 80 and shouldn't be out in the streets. She's wonderful (Alice is too) and I certainly recommend SF Hearing Center for VERY personal service."
2. Terri Gallagher, AuD at the San Francisco Audiology
Pacific Heights clinic has provided her patients with the highest quality care for over 30 years. Dr. Gallagher received her Doctor of Audiology degree from Arizona School of Health Science and is a member of the American Academy of Audiology.
She actively participates in community health fairs and grand rounds for hospitals, which shows how much she values helping others in her community.
With 56 five-star Google reviews and 12 five-star Yelp reviews, it's clear that patients are highly satisfied with the services they receive at San Francisco Audiology - Pacific Heights.
A patient had this to say about Dr. Gallagher on Yelp:
"I was up for upgrade as technology has increased so much since 3.5yrs ago. Being I wanted these hearing aids to pair with my android phone without issue, Terri Gallagher suggested Phonak.
She allowed me to trial Widex Moment with transmitter, Phonaks M70s and P70s. Ended up with Paradise 70s as everything worked seamlessly with my Samsung phone. Terri is very patient and easy to work with."
3. Shui-Lan Lee, AuD at the Better Hearing Center
Dr. Leehas been providing high-quality hearing care for over thirty years and has a wealth of knowledge and clinical skill when it comes to hearing aids and hearing healthcare. Her years of service in the San Francisco community demonstrate her dedication to the hearing impaired community.
The Better Hearing Center impressed us with its 122 five-star Google reviews and 21 Yelp reviews (average 3.8).
One patient left this glowing Google review:
"Dr. Lee and her staff have been part of my family's lives for years. Dr. Lee and Michelle are dedicated, warm, friendly, explain everything and are very knowledgeable. I highly recommend Dr. Lee!!"
And this Yelp review speaks for itself:
"Dr. Shui-Lan Lee, has been my Audiologists for years and love her professionalism along with patience and kindness she always offered me. I had to replace my older hearing aids and I trusted her with introducing me to a new technical type of hearing aid this year. I am truly enjoying them only having them a full 24 hours.
This facility really brings joy and happiness to you this is why it's been decades for me. Michele is excellent for her patience when I call in with any questions or issues. Happy Holidays to Hearing with joy!"
4. Melissa Wilson Beer, AuD at Sound Speech and Hearing Clinic
Dr. Beer is a licensed audiologist with over 15 years of experience in helping both adults and children with hearing impairments. Her clinic offers various hearing services, including adult and pediatric hearing aid fittings, central auditory processing evaluation, and aural rehabilitation. With a consistent 5-star rating on Google and Yelp, it's clear that her patients are pleased with her services.
The 140 five-star reviews on Google and 26 Yelp reviews (average 4.5) demonstrate just how much patients love Sound Speech and Hearing Clinic.
Take a look at this Google review:
"Melissa Wilson Beer is the best! She is attentive, caring, understanding and sensitive to your situation and needs. She is professional and very knowledgeable. She has answered all of my questions and concerns.
The office is professional, clean, safe, and comfortable. I would recommend Melissa to first timers and experienced to give her and the office a visit!"
And this Yelp review:
"Impression soon as got inside their Clinic? HOME !!!! I Felt at home..Their clinic was not like most others. It just made me felt at home. They had a great Protocol too..My appointment was at 2:30 and I just waited outside their clinic. (Good precautionary ).
I was greeted outside by Melissa ..the Audiologist...First time I met her made me feel im welcomed and she's there to help."
5. Jeff Lampert, AuD at San Francisco Audiology Duboce Triangle
Dr. Lambert is a standout clinician with decades of experience and he received his Doctor of Audiology degree from the Arizona School of Health Sciences and has been practicing for over 30 years. His clinic uses the latest technology to diagnose and treat hearing issues, and he offers personalized and comprehensive care to each patient.
With 39 five-star Google reviews and 7 Yelp reviews (average of 4.6), it's clear you're in good hands at San Francisco Audiology.
This detailed Google review is a testament to Dr. Lampert's clinical skill and expertise:
"I have been a very satisfied patient and customer of San Francisco Audiology. Dr. Jeff Lampert is a highly experienced professional and has been exceptional in helping me pick the best hear aids for my needs. He continues to provide me with a kind and sensitive service that makes me feel very well taken care of.
I have recommended many friends to his practice and they have all been very happy and satisfied with the results. You will be in excellent hands if you chose to get your audiology needs met here."
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, our hearing plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day lives, and finding the right audiologist is a key part in the journey to better hearing. From experience and knowledge to empathy and understanding, each one of these audiologists listed brings their unique touch to their practice.
They are not just professionals but passionate individuals dedicated to improving their patients' quality of life. Their high ratings and glowing reviews are a testament to their skills and abilities, going above and beyond. Choosing any one of them may provide you the hearing care you need, and a relationship you will appreciate.
Your hearing matters, and it is in good hands with these top-rated professionals.