How the Ear Works
The hearing mechanism in the human body is a highly sophisticated and robust system. Sound is transformed from pressure waves in the environment to mechanical energy. This is accomplished through a complex system of levels and area ratios. Through electrochemical reactions, this mechanical energy is transformed into something that the brain recognizes as music, warning signals, sounds of nature, and meaningful conversation. Simply described, the ear can be broken into three basic sections known as the outer, middle, and inner ear.
Outer Ear
The Outer Ear funnels the sounds around us down to the ear drum. The outer ear is made up of the pinna (the ear that you see) and the ear canal. They act as resonators, which amplify certain pitches, or frequencies, of sound before they reach the eardrum.
Middle Ear
The Middle Ear is where sound is changed from pressure waves to mechanical energy. The ear drum (tympanic membrane) is made of layers of skin, which are stretched tight like the top of a drum. As sound enters the ear canal, the eardrum begins vibrating. Attached to the eardrum are three tiny bones called the Hammer (Malleous), Anvil (Incus) and Stirrup (Stapes). Their job is to transfer the vibration of the ear drum to hydraulic waves in the inner ear.
Inner Ear
The Inner Ear is where the nerves pick up sound for delivery to the brain. Called the Cochlea, the inner ear is a fluid filled bony labyrinth, which houses thousands of tiny hair cells. The hair cells work to detect the pitch of the pressure waves and convert them to electrical impulses for the brain to receive and interpret.
Interested in learning more? Attend one of our regular hearing solution events to learn more about our unique approach to hearing loss or give us a call at 916-646-2471.
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* We accept most types of insurance – including Medicare (no referral needed). However, we are not Medi-Cal providers, nor do we participate in any HMO networks. Please contact us to find out if we accept your insurance. We also accept CareCredit financing.
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Featured Review
I loved everything about my experience with Hearing Solutions, Everyone is so nice and very accommodating through the whole process until we secured the right fit for me. I recommend The Hearing Solutions to everyone that has a hearing problem!!!
Featured Review
Friendly, professional, and honest. They hugely helped me navigate what steps to take to improve my misophonia (not tinnitus)
Featured Review
Provided a full and extensive hearing exam and matched a hearing aid that best met my needs. No high-pressure sales. Very friendly and professional. The hearing aids take a little to get used too but very happy. I Can hear out both ears for first time in five or six years.
Featured Review
One of the nicest professional places I have ever been. Very pleased and would recommend their services to anyone.
Featured Review
Very professional, thorough, patient, friendly, educational and beautiful office setting. No pressure to sell a product, take it at your own pace. Highly recommend Kirsten and staff.
Featured Review
Last summer I took my near-deaf sister to see Dr. Kristen. Within two hours she did the test, reprogrammed my late father’s Resound hearing aids, cleaning, and fitting. She walked out of the office, could even hear sounds from her back. Yesterday during her second service visit, Dr. Kristen even helped pull out her ear wax in both sides. Not only did she restore my sister’s hearing, her gentle, kind, and caring manners build up my sister’s confidence. She could even do zoom Bible study now. A great doctor with a beautiful heart!
Featured Review
Excellent, knowledgeable, professional, lovely. What else is there to say.
Featured Review
I am thrilled with the service, responsiveness and assistance The Hearing Solution provides me. The service I received from my previous audiologist does not come close.
Featured Review
Hearing evaluation and updates to existing aids. Fabulous results!
Featured Review
From my 1st appointment with Dr. McWilliams I knew I was in good hands. The level of care she provides is unmatched. My Urroz was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Featured Review
The office and staff were very nice. It is a very pleasant atmosphere. I saw Elizabeth and she was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed my visit and plan to return next month for a follow up.
Featured Review
I felt that my concerns were listened to fully. And I quickly realized that I could benefit from Kristen’s level of professional skills. And where else would a staff member flag me down on the street to make sure I found the right building! I felt so pleased and comfortable in your office. Many thanks! Betsy Major
Featured Review
Very friendly environment. Helpful and knowledgeable about hearing issues and resolution. I felt right at home here.
Featured Review
The process of evaluation was very professional, comfortable, and unrushed. Kirsten is very easy to work with. I understand why Dr. Chang recommended her. All of my questions were answered in a clear manner, and I am confident in the process. My interactions with the office prior to the hearing evaluation were excellent. I look forward to the next visit. Best regards, Bill
Featured Review
I just participated in my first lip reading class with you. Wow! I am so grateful for the quality job you do in teaching me over zoom, how to better focus, hold and remember information. As I grow older (everyday!) I find my attention, patience and recall not working as well as I am used to. Thank you for teaching me such valuable lessons. I look forward to continuing with you!
Featured Review
I can not rave enough about the Hearing Solution in Sacramento. The staff is so friendly and efficient and you feel at home the minute you enter the office, The expertise of the audiologist and the technical assistants is superior. The “techies” are especially patient and are available to help you most any time. You will never leave there without your hearing needs being met.
Featured Review
I left your office today without the opportunity to say thank you. I just wanted to write and tell you that my appointment today was by far the best experience I've had with any audiologist in my 20+ years of hearing loss. As I write this I am listening to Schubert songs and hearing them better than I have in years. No distortion! And German text fairly understandable, especially given my old, weathered, damaged ears. Thank you so much for your patience and your incredibly positive attitude throughout the process today. Looking forward to seeing you next week!
Featured Review
Very professional and we'll be connected to processing claims for hearing loss with the Department of Labor
Featured Review
A great visit, I learned a lot and of course, would highly recommend it! Looking forward to my next visit on the 8th. Am hoping to get the recipe for the best peanut butter cookie I've had since becoming a celiac too. Thank you Rita Thompson Thank you, Rita Thompson
Featured Review
Going in is a pleasure. Everyone is courteous and makes you feel welcome. Very knowledgeable, helpful and timely. What more could you ask for?
Featured Review
Very friendly staff and goes that extra mile to make sure you have what you need. Thank you so much.
Featured Review
The staff was pleasant, friendly, professional and explained the whole process. I could not have expected better service.
Featured Review
The staff is professional, thorough, and gracious. We could not have been happier. You are also met with refreshments and lovely sweets in the waiting room, the entire space is clean and beautifully appointed. 10/10.
Featured Review
As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.
Featured Review
Hearing evaluation and updates to existing aids. Fabulous results!
Featured Review
The staff is professional, thorough, and gracious. We could not have been happier. You are also met with refreshments and lovely sweets in the waiting room, the entire space is clean and beautifully appointed. 10/10.
Featured Review
The process of evaluation was very professional, comfortable, and unrushed. Kirsten is very easy to work with. I understand why Dr. Chang recommended her. All of my questions were answered in a clear manner, and I am confident in the process. My interactions with the office prior to the hearing evaluation were excellent. I look forward to the next visit. Best regards, Bill
Featured Review
Very friendly environment. Helpful and knowledgeable about hearing issues and resolution. I felt right at home here.
Featured Review
Last summer I took my near-deaf sister to see Dr. Kristen. Within two hours she did the test, reprogrammed my late father’s Resound hearing aids, cleaning, and fitting. She walked out of the office, could even hear sounds from her back. Yesterday during her second service visit, Dr. Kristen even helped pull out her ear wax in both sides. Not only did she restore my sister’s hearing, her gentle, kind, and caring manners build up my sister’s confidence. She could even do zoom Bible study now. A great doctor with a beautiful heart!
Featured Review
Very friendly staff and goes that extra mile to make sure you have what you need. Thank you so much.
Featured Review
I felt that my concerns were listened to fully. And I quickly realized that I could benefit from Kristen’s level of professional skills. And where else would a staff member flag me down on the street to make sure I found the right building! I felt so pleased and comfortable in your office. Many thanks! Betsy Major
Featured Review
From my 1st appointment with Dr. McWilliams I knew I was in good hands. The level of care she provides is unmatched. My Urroz was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Featured Review
Very professional, thorough, patient, friendly, educational and beautiful office setting. No pressure to sell a product, take it at your own pace. Highly recommend Kirsten and staff.
Featured Review
I can not rave enough about the Hearing Solution in Sacramento. The staff is so friendly and efficient and you feel at home the minute you enter the office, The expertise of the audiologist and the technical assistants is superior. The “techies” are especially patient and are available to help you most any time. You will never leave there without your hearing needs being met.
Featured Review
I am thrilled with the service, responsiveness and assistance The Hearing Solution provides me. The service I received from my previous audiologist does not come close.
Featured Review
Provided a full and extensive hearing exam and matched a hearing aid that best met my needs. No high-pressure sales. Very friendly and professional. The hearing aids take a little to get used too but very happy. I Can hear out both ears for first time in five or six years.
Featured Review
As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.
Featured Review
Excellent, knowledgeable, professional, lovely. What else is there to say.
Featured Review
The staff was pleasant, friendly, professional and explained the whole process. I could not have expected better service.
Featured Review
The office and staff were very nice. It is a very pleasant atmosphere. I saw Elizabeth and she was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed my visit and plan to return next month for a follow up.
Featured Review
One of the nicest professional places I have ever been. Very pleased and would recommend their services to anyone.
Featured Review
I left your office today without the opportunity to say thank you. I just wanted to write and tell you that my appointment today was by far the best experience I've had with any audiologist in my 20+ years of hearing loss. As I write this I am listening to Schubert songs and hearing them better than I have in years. No distortion! And German text fairly understandable, especially given my old, weathered, damaged ears. Thank you so much for your patience and your incredibly positive attitude throughout the process today. Looking forward to seeing you next week!
Featured Review
Friendly, professional, and honest. They hugely helped me navigate what steps to take to improve my misophonia (not tinnitus)
Featured Review
Very professional and we'll be connected to processing claims for hearing loss with the Department of Labor
Featured Review
I loved everything about my experience with Hearing Solutions, Everyone is so nice and very accommodating through the whole process until we secured the right fit for me. I recommend The Hearing Solutions to everyone that has a hearing problem!!!
Featured Review
A great visit, I learned a lot and of course, would highly recommend it! Looking forward to my next visit on the 8th. Am hoping to get the recipe for the best peanut butter cookie I've had since becoming a celiac too. Thank you Rita Thompson Thank you, Rita Thompson
Featured Review
I just participated in my first lip reading class with you. Wow! I am so grateful for the quality job you do in teaching me over zoom, how to better focus, hold and remember information. As I grow older (everyday!) I find my attention, patience and recall not working as well as I am used to. Thank you for teaching me such valuable lessons. I look forward to continuing with you!
Featured Review
Going in is a pleasure. Everyone is courteous and makes you feel welcome. Very knowledgeable, helpful and timely. What more could you ask for?