Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Ear and Hearing Care Specialists in Portola Valley, CA
Founded in 1968, the California Ear Institute has dedicated over five decades to advancing hearing healthcare for patients worldwide. Our team of internationally recognized specialists provides comprehensive diagnostic and surgical solutions for complex otologic disorders, establishing us as a global leader in ear-related treatments. As Northern California's premier center of excellence, we specialize in second opinions, revision surgeries, and innovative procedures for conditions like congenital aural atresia and microtia. Our custom-designed Portola Valley facility houses state-of-the-art surgical and audiological departments, staffed by experts with extensive experience in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery.We combine cutting-edge technology with personalized care, offering both in-person and remote consultations to accommodate diverse patient needs. With a legacy of over 250,000 patient visits, our surgeons have pioneered techniques compatible with all forms of outer ear reconstruction while maintaining active roles in medical education and global humanitarian efforts through the Let Them Hear Foundation. Our commitment to transparency, ethical practice, and continuous improvement ensures patients receive reliable, evidence-based care tailored to their unique circumstances.
Services
Atresia Microtia Repair
Implantable Hearing Devices
Eardrum Repair
Chronic Ear Infection Treatment
Facial Nerve Surgery
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of specialized experience in otologic care
- Internationally recognized surgeons with 250,000+ patient visits
- Custom-designed surgical facility with advanced technology
- Pioneers in atresia-microtia repair techniques compatible with all reconstructions
- Active in global medical education and humanitarian initiatives
Services
Atresia Microtia Repair
Specialized surgical correction for congenital ear malformations, performed by internationally recognized experts. Our techniques accommodate all outer ear reconstruction methods while optimizing hearing development in children aged 3+. The procedure combines functional restoration with aesthetic considerations, supported by global conferences for personalized treatment planning.
Implantable Hearing Devices
Advanced auditory technology solutions for conductive and mixed hearing loss. Our specialists provide comprehensive evaluations and implantation of state-of-the-art devices, including bone conduction and middle ear implants. Services include post-operative programming and long-term support for optimal device performance and patient adaptation.
Eardrum Repair
Microsurgical restoration of perforated eardrums using modern grafting techniques. This procedure addresses chronic infections and hearing loss while preserving middle ear structures. Our surgeons combine technical precision with extensive experience in managing complex tympanic membrane pathologies for lasting functional improvement.
Chronic Ear Infection Treatment
Comprehensive care for persistent middle ear infections, including medical and surgical interventions. Our approach addresses underlying causes through mastoidectomy procedures and long-term monitoring. We specialize in revision surgeries for recurrent infections that have resisted previous treatments elsewhere.
Facial Nerve Surgery
Specialized interventions for facial nerve disorders requiring microsurgical techniques. Our team addresses traumatic injuries, tumors, and congenital conditions using intraoperative monitoring and nerve grafting. The service emphasizes functional preservation while managing complex skull base pathologies affecting facial nerve integrity.
People
Joseph B Roberson, Jr MD
CEO & Managing Partner
Board-certified otology specialist with over 4000 atresia repair surgeries performed. Former Stanford University professor and industry consultant, author of definitive atresia-microtia texts, and founder of the Let Them Hear Foundation. Active in global medical education and surgical innovation.
Haley (Roberson) Issichopoulos
Physician Assistant
Medical provider specializing in atresia and microtia care, offering pre/post-operative support and microscopic ear cleanings. Assists in surgeries and manages patient consultations while maintaining active involvement in clinical operations and patient education initiatives.
Questions
What ear conditions does CEI specialize in treating?
We specialize in congenital disorders like atresia-microtia, chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, facial nerve disorders, and implantable hearing device solutions for conductive hearing loss.
Do you accept international patients?
Yes, we serve patients globally and coordinate care with international microtia surgeons. Our team offers complimentary online consultations for atresia repair candidates worldwide.
What surgical techniques do you use for atresia repair?
Our methods accommodate all outer ear reconstruction approaches including rib graft, Medpor, and prosthetics while optimizing hearing development during critical early childhood stages.
Are hearing tests covered by insurance?
We accept most major private insurance plans for hearing testing services. Contact our office for specific verification with your insurance provider.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Visit our website to book a consultation or contact us directly at (650) 494-1000. We offer both in-person and remote consult options for select services.
Reviews (3)
Leigh Wolf
Apr 13, 2020
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At the risk of sounding redundant, may I highly recommend this practice? I feel like I have totally new DNA, the transformation in my health has been amazing these last few months. And I went to all kinds of doctors in my network prior to seeing Dr. Hester and his team. I've never felt better. Experts, caring, focused, results-oriented. go see the good folks at CEI.
H. H.
Mar 10, 2020
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Lady at the reception desk could not hear what I was saying she kept asking me to repeat over and over. "We do not take insurance" right on my face before we even talked about anything else, unfriendly.
Jason B.
Jan 05, 2020
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Changing so many lives for the better each day. We are so thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the CEI family.
