At the Hearing Institute,

we take great pride in helping people overcome their hearing challenges. We are passionate about what we do and consider ourselves fortunate to be part of such a rewarding profession. This passion for helping people hear better is reflected in the way we treat our patients with integrity, respect, and professionalism.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A headshot

Our Story

Serving the Coachella Valley and beyond for over 35 years while working closely with the noted physicians of Desert ENT Medical Group, the Hearing Institute has developed a reputation as the premier provider of hearing services in the desert. All audiological services are provided by recognized experts in the field of Audiology with advanced degrees in hearing science and rehabilitation. Our Director of Audiology, Dr. Wade Zarella, has a Doctorate Degree with further specialized training. At the Hearing Institute, we are committed to providing individualized care, comprehensive services, and building long-term relationships. Our goal is to improve quality of life through better hearing, one patient at a time.
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Our Practice Philosophy

The Hearing Institute’s reputation is built on professionalism, integrity, and expertise, not limited-time offers or gimmicks. Most dispensing offices treat hearing aids as a commodity, a little different than selling a watch, TV, or mattress. As such, they often use advertising gimmicks and limited-time offers to entice people to purchase their products. At the Hearing Institute, we have always believed hearing loss treatment decisions should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of both the hearing loss and each individual patient’s unique needs. Determined by our simple and easy hearing tests. Our prices are fixed, competitive, and all-inclusive. Consultations are informational, allowing you to make your hearing treatment decisions without pressure. Unlike most commodities, we believe long-term professional follow-up and care determine success with hearing aids.
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Our services

At the Hearing Institute, we provide a suite of services to comprehensively assess, diagnose, and treat hearing health. Our services include the following:

putting on headphones

Hearing Screenings

Initial hearing screenings are conducted to evaluate hearing loss and determine if additional testing and evaluation are needed. The Audiology Assistant will also perform screenings to monitor for changes in hearing over time.
woman testing for hearing loss

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations

We use the highest technology equipment available to conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations. These evaluations help identify the type, configuration, and degree of hearing loss. Diagnostic evaluations can help rule out medical concerns which would require referral to an Otolaryngologist.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A and woman talking about tinnitus

Hearing Aid Consultation

After a hearing evaluation, hearing aid candidates may return for a consultation. During this appointment, the Doctor of Audiology will discuss how hearing loss affects your communication in addition to your social, emotional, cosmetic, and budgetary concerns. The audiologist will determine the optimal style and type of device for your individual needs and give a realistic idea of what you can expect from the recommended hearing aid.
Man getting hearing aid fitted by Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A

Hearing Aid Fitting and Follow Up

If you choose to proceed, a fitting appointment is scheduled to program the devices specifically for your hearing loss with ample time spent instructing on use and care. A hearing aid fitting is only the first step in a process: Proper follow-up and care are key to long-term successful hearing aid use. That is why the Hearing Institute offers an extended trial period and a lifetime follow-up plan to ensure that your experience is maximized. If hearing aids do not improve your quality of life, we offer a full money-back guarantee.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A testing woman's ears

Extended Wear Hearing Aids

The Hearing Institute is one of the few facilities in the valley to offer extended wear hearing aids. Unlike other hearing devices, extended-wear devices can be worn invisibly 24/7 for months at a time, even while sleeping and showering. An experienced, certified, and educated professional is critical to safely place these devices deep in the ear canal. The Hearing Institute is particularly well suited to fit extended wear devices due to the expertise and training of our Doctor of Audiology and our close relationship with the physicians of Desert ENT.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A hearing aid testing

Visible Speech Mapping (VSM)

The Hearing Institute uses the most advanced speech verification system available called the Verifit. This equipment is capable of monitoring speech at the eardrum to verify that the hearing aid settings are optimal for speech understanding.
putting on headphones

Hearing Screenings

Initial hearing screenings are conducted to evaluate hearing loss and determine if additional testing and evaluation are needed. The Audiology Assistant will also perform screenings to monitor for changes in hearing over time.
woman testing for hearing loss

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations

We use the highest technology equipment available to conduct comprehensive hearing evaluations. These evaluations help identify the type, configuration, and degree of hearing loss. Diagnostic evaluations can help rule out medical concerns which would require referral to an Otolaryngologist.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A and woman talking about tinnitus

Hearing Aid Consultation

After a hearing evaluation, hearing aid candidates may return for a consultation. During this appointment, the Doctor of Audiology will discuss how hearing loss affects your communication in addition to your social, emotional, cosmetic, and budgetary concerns. The audiologist will determine the optimal style and type of device for your individual needs and give a realistic idea of what you can expect from the recommended hearing aid.
Learn More
Man getting hearing aid fitted by Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A

Hearing Aid Fitting and Follow Up

If you choose to proceed, a fitting appointment is scheduled to program the devices specifically for your hearing loss with ample time spent instructing on use and care. A hearing aid fitting is only the first step in a process: Proper follow-up and care are key to long-term successful hearing aid use. That is why the Hearing Institute offers an extended trial period and a life time follow-up plan to ensure that your performance with hearing aids is maximized. If hearing aids do not improve your quality of life, we offer a full money-back guarantee.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A testing woman's ears

Extended Wear Hearing Aids

The Hearing Institute is one of the few facilities in the valley to offer extended wear hearing aids. Unlike traditional hearing aids, extended-wear devices can be worn invisibly 24/7 for months at a time, even while sleeping and showering. An experienced, certified, and educated professional is critical to safely place these devices deep in the ear canal. The Hearing Institute is particularly well suited to fit extended wear devices due to the expertise and training of our Doctor of Audiology and our close relationship with the physicians of Desert ENT.
Dr. Wade S. Zarella AUD., CCC-A hearing aid testing

Visible Speech Mapping (VSM)

The Hearing Institute uses the most advanced speech verification system available called the Verifit. This equipment is capable of monitoring speech at the eardrum to verify that the hearing aid settings are optimal for speech understanding.
old woman with hearing loss

Tinnitus Treatment

Tinnitus is one of the most common symptoms of hearing loss and in some cases can occur without any hearing loss at all. Tinnitus is often described as “ringing in the ears”, however it can be any perceived head noise that does not exist from an outside sound source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 15% of adults (50 million people) experience some form of tinnitus. Most people with tinnitus can adapt to the sound and ignore it over time. However, some people experience tinnitus that can be debilitating; resulting in sleep disturbance, inability to focus, anxiety, stress, and depression. Although there is no cure for tinnitus, we do offer treatments that can help manage or lessen the tinnitus; including hearing aids and hearing aid/masking devices. Tinnitus maskers are an option in most hearing aids on the market today and, when set appropriately by the audiologist, can help alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
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the receptionist with a patient

Our Facilities

We offer modern and spacious facilities and the highest technology equipment available to provide you with the best in hearing healthcare.
  • Reception Area
  • Three Sound-Proof Audio Booths
  • Two Hearing Aid Fitting Rooms
  • Wireless Bluetooth Device Demonstration Area
  • Simple Procedure Room/Lab
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