Who Can You Trust in Whittier to Help You With Your Hearing?
Our mission is to continue our legacy practice by embracing what has defined us for the past 60 years: improving our patients’ quality of life through better hearing. We will serve the needs of our community, our country, and our world with a commitment to excellence and compassion in all that we do.
At Whittier Hearing Center we are dedicated to helping you find the right solutions for your hearing problems. Our staff of licensed professionals use the latest in diagnostic test equipment to insure that you get an accurate hearing test. They take the time to explain the results to you, in language you can understand. They answer all the questions you may have about hearing, hearing loss, and hearing aids.
You can trust your hearing to us. We are the clinical/rehabilitative audiologists for many local medical facilities including Presbyterian Health Physicians, AppleCare and Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital. We also work with many local ENTs and all the neurotologists centers at UCI, UCLA, USC, and House Ear Clinic.
For many years they have trusted their patients to us for both diagnostic testing and for hearing aids. That is a trust that has been earned over the years by the quality of care we provide. Furthermore, our services are not only for people who have hearing problems. We offer custom made hearing protection for musicians and people who work in noisy environments. We also do custom-made in-the-ear monitors for musicians and custom fit earpieces for hands-free cellular phone operation. Our custom-made swim molds are a must-have for both children and adults who enjoy swimming and going to the beach.
We are the oldest (and largest) facility of our kind in the area. Whittier Hearing Center has been serving the needs of the community from the same location in Uptown Whittier for over 60 years. While the staff has changed over the years, our commitment to serving the needs of our patients has not. We’re here to help people live the life they want with the hearing they have. See our services pages for more information.
Here is our promise to you. A promise we have been making, and keeping, for over 60 years!
You will never find a hearing aid sales person at Whittier Hearing Center. What you will find are highly educated, well trained, caring, concerned professionals dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for your personal hearing problems.
Meet the Team
Kim Ortega, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology, Owner
Dr. Ortega has been with us since 2006, and began moving toward ownership in 2012. She specializes in diagnostic hearing testing as well as tinnitus and tinnitus management.
While working as a teacher of the Deaf and hard of hearing at Oralingua school, Dr. Ortega found her true calling: which is helping people with hearing loss live a better and more fulfilling life through assistive hearing technology.
“This is my passion and my love. I cannot imagine doing anything else. It is the most fulfilling job anyone could have. I look forward to being at Whittier Hearing Center and serving our patients for many years to come!”
Linda Farrow, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Dr. Farrow has been practicing Audiology in Southern California for over 30 years. She completed her Doctorate of Audiology at Central Michigan University in 2002. In addition to her role at Whittier Hearing Center, she serves on the Board of the California Academy of Audiology as the Southern California Legislative Liaison and is a Clinical Director for Healthy Hearing for the Southern California Special Olympics.
Dr. Farrow comes to Whittier Hearing Center with experience in analyzing complex hearing issues and fitting the latest hearing aid technology. In the past she worked at the House Ear Clinic, at a busy ENT office, and at Tustin Hearing. She views her job as not just testing hearing, but educating her patients about hearing, hearing loss, and treatment options. She has experience with complex diagnostic issues as well as being versed in hearing aid prescription and fitting.
“I love being able to help my patients down the path to better hearing. The connection I make with my patients becomes a bond of trust and friendship and I truly see what the gift of hearing is all about.”
Carole Maa, Au.D.
Doctor of Audiology
Dr. Maa joined Whittier Hearing Center in 1991 while she was a graduate student at California State University, Long Beach. She has grown and learned a lot over the years and is now an expert in many different areas of audiology and hearing aids.
Her specialty is the very small invisible or nearly invisible hearing aids. If you do not want the aid to show, then be sure to see Carole as she can work magic!
“I love helping the patient who has gone elsewhere and failed with hearing aids. It is a joy to watch their face light up when they get the correct hearing aids fit to their special hearing needs.”
Cindy Larraz Becerra, B.A. HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Cindy has over a decade of experience as a dedicated Hearing Specialist. She has built her career around improving the quality of life for individuals through better hearing health. Cindy holds a degree in Health Sciences, which has provided her with a strong foundation in patient care, communication, and overall wellness.
As a bilingual provider, Cindy is passionate about bridging language barriers and ensuring that every patient feels understood, comfortable, and confident throughout their hearing journey. She takes pride in delivering personalized care, whether it’s helping someone reconnect with loved ones, regain confidence in social settings, or simply enjoy the everyday sounds many take for granted.
“Making a meaningful difference in my patients’ daily lives is what drives me every day. Family and connection is at the heart of everything I do, and it fuels my passion for helping others live fuller, more connected lives.”
Monica Jaime, B.A. HIS
Hearing Aid Specialist
Monica has a decade of experience in the audiology field. She is our dedicated Hearing Aid Specialist. From administering hearing tests and choosing the best hearing aid to troubleshooting hearing aid complaints, her attention to detail puts her at the top of her field. With her gentle touch, thorough explanations and kind demeanor, Monica excels in patient care. Monica’s credentials include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from California State University, Los Angeles along with a hearing aid dispenser license.
Monica is a proud daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico. Monica is fluent in English and Spanish; she is passionate about helping people in their own language. “My goal is to always provide extraordinary patient care.
“Every time I see my patients smile after trying new hearing aids, I am reminded that I chose the right profession. I love what I do.”
Jessica Paz, B.A. HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Jessica completed her undergraduate work at California State University, Los Angeles and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Jessica is learning American Sign Language to help better assist our Deaf patients.
Jessica enjoys connecting with people in a genuine, friendly and compassionate manner. “Every moment of specialty care is a chance to make a meaningful difference. It brings me joy in guiding individuals through a positive transition into a world of improved hearing.”
Hailey Pinto, B.A.
4th Year Audiology Extern
Hailey received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Disorders from California State University, Fullerton in 2023. She is expected to complete her Doctorate of Audiology at California State University, Northridge in 2027.
Hailey is fluent in English and Spanish. She had also worked with patients ranging in age from newborns to geriatrics.
“My bilingual proficiency allows me to bridge communication gaps and ensure patients receive equitable and inclusive care. I try my best to provide the care I hope my loved ones will one day receive when they too seek audiological or other health care services. I truly value the importance of diversity, teamwork, respect and care above all for all patients.”