Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Ear Health Solutions
Founded in 1968, the California Ear Institute has established itself as a global leader in ear and hearing health care. Our team of world-renowned surgeons has provided care for over 250,000 patients with diverse otologic conditions, specializing in complex cases requiring second opinions or revision procedures. Located in Portola Valley, California, our state-of-the-art facility combines advanced surgical capabilities with personalized patient care. We offer both in-person and remote consultation options to serve patients worldwide. Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Roberson, a Board-Certified specialist in Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery, we maintain partnerships with industry leaders and operate the Let Them Hear Foundation to expand access to care.Our comprehensive services include treatment for congenital ear disorders, implantable hearing devices, and chronic ear conditions. We accept major private insurance plans for hearing testing services and maintain affiliations with leading medical organizations. Our multidisciplinary team includes physician assistants, surgical technologists, and patient liaisons dedicated to providing seamless care. We continually invest in facility upgrades, most recently completing a custom-designed clinic and operating theater in 2020. Our international reputation attracts patients seeking specialized treatment for conditions like atresia and microtia, with surgical techniques compatible with all forms of outer ear reconstruction.
Services
Atresia Microtia Repair
Hearing Device Fitting
Ear Drum Repair
Chronic Ear Infection Treatment
Implantable Hearing Devices
Facial Nerve Surgery
Surfer's Ear Treatment
Cholesteatoma Removal
Middle Ear Reconstruction
Superior Canal Dehiscence Repair
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of specialized experience in ear and hearing care
- Our surgeons perform complex revision procedures and second opinions
- We offer comprehensive treatment for congenital and acquired ear conditions
- Our facility features custom-designed surgical and diagnostic spaces
- We accept major private insurance plans for hearing testing services
Services
Atresia Microtia Repair
Specialized treatment for children and adults with congenital ear defects. Our techniques work with all outer ear reconstruction methods including rib graft and Medpor. We perform hearing restoration surgeries as early as age three to support critical language development periods. Dr. Roberson has completed over 4,000 atresia repair procedures.
Implantable Hearing Devices
Comprehensive evaluation and fitting of advanced hearing solutions including cochlear implants and bone conduction devices. Our Hearing Device Center provides ongoing support for device maintenance and optimization. We work with major manufacturers to ensure patients receive the most appropriate technology for their specific hearing needs.
Ear Drum Repair
Surgical restoration of damaged eardrums using advanced microsurgical techniques. We treat chronic perforations from trauma or infection, restoring hearing function and preventing recurrent ear infections. Procedures include grafting materials and ossicular chain reconstruction when needed for comprehensive middle ear repair.
Chronic Ear Infection Treatment
Specialized care for persistent middle ear infections and complications like cholesteatoma. Our surgical interventions include mastoidectomy and endolymphatic shunt procedures to address chronic conditions. We focus on preventing long-term damage while preserving hearing function through evidence-based treatment approaches.
Facial Nerve Surgery
Treatment for facial nerve disorders and injuries using microsurgical techniques. Our specialists address both congenital and acquired nerve damage, working to restore facial movement and function. Procedures include nerve decompression, grafting, and reanimation surgeries for patients with traumatic or disease-related nerve impairments.
People
Joseph B. Roberson, Jr. MD
CEO & Managing Partner
Internationally recognized otology specialist with over 4,000 atresia repair surgeries performed. Board-certified in Otolaryngology and Neurotology, former Stanford University professor, and author of a comprehensive atresia-microtia textbook. Founded Let Them Hear Foundation for global hearing care initiatives.
Haley (Roberson) Issichopoulos
Physician Assistant
Specializes in atresia and microtia patient care, providing pre- and post-operative support. Performs microscopic ear cleanings and assists in surgical procedures. Coordinates ongoing patient care and serves as primary medical contact for complex cases, combining clinical expertise with personalized patient education.
Questions
What ear conditions do you specialize in treating?
We specialize in congenital ear defects like atresia and microtia, chronic ear infections, cholesteatoma, facial nerve disorders, and implantable hearing device solutions for all age groups.
Do you accept international patients?
Yes, we treat patients from around the world and offer remote consultation options. Our team coordinates care with international microtia surgeons to optimize hearing restoration during critical development periods.
What surgical options exist for hearing restoration?
We offer atresia repair, implantable hearing devices, ear drum reconstruction, and nerve repair surgeries. Our techniques work with all outer ear reconstruction methods including rib graft, Medpor, and prosthetics.
Do you accept insurance for hearing treatments?
We accept most major private insurance plans for hearing testing services. For surgical procedures, our team works with patients to verify coverage and coordinate necessary pre-authorizations.
What makes your atresia repair unique?
Dr. Roberson has performed over 4,000 atresia repairs using techniques compatible with all outer ear reconstruction methods. We perform surgeries as early as age three to support language development and offer complimentary online consultations.
