I ordered one hearing aid from Listening Stack due to a recent ear injury from snorkeling and subsequent surgeries. I have tinnitus and issues hearing high frequencies. It took a long time to adjust to my new state of being but my hearing aid has made such a difference. Justin was very thoughtful and understanding of my issues and helped me with adjustments as I dealt with increased tinnitus and challenges in different hearing environments. His office assistant is also very responsive and professional. I would recommend them to anyone in Santa Cruz who already has a prescription and just needs help for unique situations of tinnitus and mild hearing loss. read more

Not at all happy with advice or service I was provided. I should've looked at the Consumer Reports issue where they recently rated Costco as the absolute best place to buy hearing aids. Great service , products and matching of customer needs to those products. I was very unhappy with Listening Stack. I am very pleased with the Costco product and service. read more

Listening Stack is not an audiologist, he is a hearing aid seller. I bought a pair of very expensive hearing aids there and received very poor follow-up service even while on warranty. I definitely would not recommend Listening Stack for hearing aids. For minor hearing loss, hearing aids can now be purchased over the counter. If you need more hearing volume than that, the audiologist at Costco can provide the hearing test and the same high quality hearing aids as at any local hearing aid sales office. read more

My mother-in-law had a hearing aid that suddenly stopped working. We were in desperate need to get it fixed quickly as we are in the process of moving out of California. We found Justin at The Listening Stack and we are so happy we did. After telling him of the issue with the piece, Justin said it may need to be sent out to get fixed which could take several days but he could put a rush on it for an extra fee that would get it returned days sooner. We really didn't have a choice so we went to his shop believing we would be paying around $400 to get this piece fixed. After he examined and cleaned the piece it worked great! We are so thankful we did not have to pay to get this hearing aid repaired...it just needed a good cleaning. My mother-in-law was absolutely thrilled to get it back as not having them is a big stress on her. 5+ stars for The Listening Stack and Justin. read more

I recently purchased my second set of hearing aids from Justin. He was very thorough in educating me on the features and benefits of the brand I purchased. No high pressure tactics. Unfortunately one got damaged but Justin is getting it replaced under the warranty. I highly recommend Justin and Listening Stack. read more

In the year that I have been going to The Listening Stack, I have been so pleased with the range of choices -and prices- for hearing aids. And, even more important than the products is the advice and support available before, during, and after the decision and purchase. read more

Working with Justin and the rest of the team at The Listening Stack was a pleasure! I came in for some custom sleep earplugs since I live near a busy highway and sleep at night can sometimes be tough. Justin did the deep ear impressions and explained the whole process to me. I picked out the color I wanted and was told a week later I could pick them up. 2 weeks went by and no call. I stopped in and was told 2-3 more days. A week later I got a call they were ready. Turns out the evacuations from the CZU fires really did a number on them personally, so my experience with delayed delivery of product is probably not typical. They were really COVID safe and followed protocols. There was never anyone else but me in the store when I was there during an appointment. They were friendly over the phone and in person. My one gripe is that the silicon ear plugs I got don't block out that much sound. They fit great but I can still hear the whooshing of traffic outside my window, my husband snoring, etc. It's just a limitation of the product and nothing to do with how they were made or the business practices themselves. Definitely make an appointment to look at all they have to offer! Hearing aids, custom ear inserts for headphones, etc etc. So much good stuff and a great customer experience. read more

Justin is fine. But before you pay thousands of dollars for hearing aids, lower your expectations. You will not recover your former hearing quality; what you will get is a primitive "treble up, treble down" amplifier in your ear. The sound quality that your auditory cortex learned to provide during your developmental first years of life is vastly superior to anything provided by hearing aids. You will be able to hear more in conversation, but it's a screechy crackly reality. AFTER you get the aids, you're told to choose between Comfort snd Clarity; you don't get both. read more

I'm a dentist and long term exposure to the noise of the drill can destroy my hearing. I know lots of older and retired dentists that need hearing aids. They make fancy noise canceling hearing aids that dental companies market to me, but those start at $6000 a pair. After driving by the Listening Stack many times, I decided go in and see what they offer. Everyone in there is really nice and knowledgeable. I talked with Justin for a bit and decided on a pair of custom ear plugs with changeable filters. Only cost me a few hundred dollars, way less then the sets the dental companies were trying to sell me. One set had toggles you could open and close, the other was a static filter. The plugs fit perfectly (obviously) and there is a drastic reduction in the noise from the drill and the high volume suction. They are very comfortable and my ears never get sore from having them in. I love em! I few weeks later I was going shooting. I stopped by the listening Stack and they let me swap out the toggle filters (I never use them) for some higher dB reduction filters, no charge, nothing. The listening stack is great for anyone needing hearing protection. I highly recommend them! read more

There are two guys -- both aging baby boomers if anyone in their generation admits getting older can happen -- whose hearing lessened. Too many rock concerts from back in the hard rock days? Nope. Just nature's way of getting their attention. The audiology tests confirmed their fears. YOU BOTH NEED HEARING DEVICES! Enter Justin Stack at The Listening Stack. "It happens to the best of us", Justin reassured the two guys. With his ease of client support, Justin walked us through what we could expect with wearing the dreaded "gadgets". Clearer sounds that neither of us had heard in years. Not having to repeated ask, huh -- what did you say? And so, we took the plunge. After wearing our hearing apparatuses over the past two months, these two boomers have taken a couple of decades off the ol' self-images. We both hear extremely well again, and people don't point at us, saying "oh look, those two silver haired beach boys are wearing hearing contraptions!" Hearing is normal again for us. Thank you, Justin, for your skills, guidance and encouragement for a couple of old school guys who put their trust in your expertise. You have built your business around delivering outstanding care for your clients with a knack for one-on-one competence. You are extremely independent so patients like the two aging boomers got the right hearing solutions to meet their hearing loss and lifestyle. We'll be back for batteries of course and tune-ups if needed. And to all those other boomers who are or will be facing the fear of "appliances", just go for it. Justin Stack is the best you'll find around these parts. Tell him HI from David & Bob. David & Bob Pitman-Crain, Santa Cruz, CA read more

Absolutely best place in Santa Cruz county for hearing protection. My rock band's guitarist was turning it up like he was on stage at The Rio. Only problem was that it was inside small venues and my guitarist was destroying my eardrums. Listening Stack tested my hearing and designed custom earplugs to let lower decibel sound in, but not damage my hearing. Their customer service is amazing too. I've worked with 3 people there and they're all spectacular. read more

These guys are the best! Not only are their products fantastic, but their customer service goes above and beyond. If you value your hearing, these are the folks to visit. Between a life spent on motorcycles and listening to live music my ears might not be in the best shape, but I'm trying to preserve the hearing I've got left. Custom ear plugs with filters for live music keep the sound clean and drop the decibels to keep things tolerable. My in ear monitors are perfect for riding and they even fixed my snoring problem (my girlfriend got custom made sleep plugs)! If you value your hearing, go visit these guys! read more

Outstanding services and products! I put off getting hearing aids for a long time and when I finally saw Justin, I wished I hadn't waited so long! I walked out that day much more educated about my hearing loss and tinnitus, and with a great set of hearing aids. I also have a way to hear the TV and phone through them using an easy SoundGate system. I sing in a choir and he gave me an adjustment I can change to for just that setting. It has really changed my world! Sally in reception is great too! Justin is helpful, patient and super well informed, explains things very clearly. He has an impressive amount of knowledge about hearing issues and options. He is determined to get you the best solution to your hearing problem and works with you to that aim. He explained so many things to me and answered every question I had. I feel in completely capable hands with him and am so grateful to be working with him. I love my hearing aids. I highly recommend Justin and Listening Stack services. read more

When I called Soquel Hearing Aid Center I was just shopping around to find someone who I felt would be really professional, caring, and thorough for a friend who is experiencing hearing loss and is pretty self conscious about it. Right off the bat Justin was extremely helpful and really knowledgable on audiology which was new to us. He described the entire process and answered all my questions thoroughly. I set up a free consultation at his office (he offered an in home consultation as well!). Justin worked with us through the whole process, programming slowly over time to help my friend adapt to the appropriate level of amplification. He got the hearing aids completely fine tuned and my friend was SO happy with the results! Justin is clearly passionate about his work and was so helpful to us. I highly recommend Soquel Hearing Aid Center. read more

My experience at Soquel Hearing Aid center was completely positive. I was only recently diagnosed with hearing loss and, given I'm in my 30s, it was quite a shock to me. I had a million questions and Justin (the owner) patiently answered them all, easing my concerns. The hearing aids I ended up buying have been really useful, helping me out in social situations and at work. And I've been back to have them adjusted, and Justin was able to make minor changes to them to make them work even better. I highly recommend Soquel hearing Aid center if you're looking for quality service. It made an unfortunate situation a lot less unpleasant for me. read more

Justin and his team were super accommodating, fast and attentive. They also have very competitive pricing! After both my wife and I have been using our custom earplugs for a few weeks we couldn't be happier. We didn't need any adjustments done, they have been perfect from the start. I got maxprotect with toggle for loud yard work and competitive marksmanship. My wife got sleeping earplugs for the nights I'm on shift with baby. Couldn't be happier; thanks for the help! read more

Outstanding on all levels! Justin is knowledgable and informative in a way that makes understanding the complexities of hearing aids reasonable for a lay person. I was in buying hearing aids for my 85 year old mother (who besides hearing loss has a bit of dementia). Justin was extremely patient in working with her. He definitely goes the extra mile to ensure that hearing is optimized, comfort is realized, and that it stays within the budget you have agreed to. Truly a local business owner who embraces the true spirit of community business - knows his product (s) throughly; knows his customers likes/dislikes/needs; and delivers consistantly. thanks Justin! read more

These folks offer great customer service for all who need "hearing assists" to attain some semblance of normal hearing. Justin and Dee are skillful, kind, patient and responsive. They really saved me when both my devices stopped working just a few days before leaving for Mexico. And my bad for getting them a bit wet! read more

Justin is our Mom's new hero! When one of her hearing aids stopped working, her Santa Barbara audiologist kept telling her she needed to buy new ones. She almost gave up, then asked me to see if someone in Santa Cruz county would be willing to check them. I called The Listening Stack and spoke to Haley at the front desk. She cheerfully said they would be glad to take a look, so I came the next day. Justin, the owner, took it in the back room, found a tiny hidden obstruction in the tube, removed it, and it worked perfectly! When I called Mom to tell her the good news, she cried. :-) Thanks, Justin! read more

I have had three ear operations for surfers ear which means that I've been wearing custom ear plugs for over two+ decades. I have been going to the Listening Stack since they first opened shop off of 41st ave several years ago. Justin is doing what he loves and it shows in his attention to detail, patience and compassion to the issues that hearing problems incur. This, along with his shops ability to create custom earplugs in-house, makes the Listening Stack a hands down go-to for any sort of custom plugs. Having ear problems for so long and living in different areas makes me really appreciate having a gem like them locally in Santa Cruz. They are the first place that I've heard of that makes their plugs inhouse versus sending them out to some factory in the midwest (that I've received several not-great fitting plugs over the years). Thanks LS and Justin. read more

The hearing aids I purchased approximately 5 years ago were not working. I postponed going into a hearing aid center as long as I could fearing I would need new ones. After reading several poor reviews on the place where I purchased them I decided to change providers. I am so happy I did. After explaining my situation and that I really could not afford to buy new aids, Justin Stack at the Soquel Hearing Aid Center, not only repaired them using new parts, he adjusted the sound, fitted them properly (they were two sizes too big) and scheduled me for a follow up appointment to make sure that I am happy with the result. He did all of this for no fee. Proper hearing is so important to the quality of life and I am so glad I again can be an active participant. Thank you Justin, I will certainly spread the word! read more

I highly recommend Justin and The Listening Stack for your hearing aid needs. He cares to give his patient the best service beyond what is expected these days. read more

Honesty, caring, understanding, listening, knowing, explaining, expertly executing, warrants the Listening Stack five stars. As a person with a profoundly severe hearing loss, Justin fitted me with the Starkey Halo hearing aids. What a difference in the quality of life. My Phonak hearing aids were failing miserably. And no more remote controls hanging around my neck... Everyone in my life thanks you for helping me. Thank you Justin. read more

Justin and his staff were awesome! The facility is amazing and completely state of the art. The customer service you receive from Justin and his staff is fantastic. My 81 year old mother had been using inferior hearing aids and her quality of life was deteriorating. We visited the Listening Stack and Justin listened to her story and knew exactly what kind of hearing aids would be best for her quality of life. Justin evaluated her and fitted her the same day (which included taking an exact molding of her ear). Justin and the Listening Stack take care of everything; the the insurance company, the billing etc., My mother had her brand new, state of the art hearing aids within a couple of weeks and she was amazed at how well she could hear. The hearing aids are also small and match the color of her hair, so for appearance purposes, she is thrilled. The listening stack is truly a one-stop shop, which includes your initial exam, cleaning, maintenance and hearing aid batteries. The listening stack is truly our answered prayers!!! Thank you Justin! Anita Aptos read more

Justin's willingness to work with my insurance and upgrade my hearing devices to something more cosmetically appealing and discrete, and at no cost to me, was impressive and just one of the reason I tell everyone about The Listening Stack. He and Sally are always kind, accommodating and clearly care about taking care of their clients- they are one of the best examples of why we should shop in our local small businesses! read more

My Mother was having so much discomfort from her hearing Aids. We went in to see Justin at Soquel hearing aids and he made adjustments that made all the difference in the world. Great service and kind man. read more

For any of you who need a hearing aid I highly recommend Justin at the Listening Stack. He can work miracles and is fun to work with. His office is immaculate and his receptionist is very very pleasant. He gives you time to wear the devices to check the fit. He will keep working with you until everything is absolutely perfect. Give him a call. read more

I ordered a pair of custom ear plugs for sleeping. I've used ear plugs for decades and decided to try something different than the ones you can buy at CVS. I've never slept better. They block out considerably more sound and are beyond comfortable. The best part are the staff. Justin and Sally are the best. Their customer service is more than I hoped for. They are experts in the field and only do what is best for the customer. I highly recommend them! read more

Soquel Hearing Aid Center is now called the Listening Stack. When my mother died a few weeks ago I inherited her hearing aids and found Jason at the Listening Stack to be the most affordable place to reprogram them for my ears. Jason answered all my questions and I felt he was an expert at this. He also sells a very cool home entertainment speaker set up that adjusts for only the listener with hearing problems while not for everyone else in the room! Now that's super cool, no more arguing about volume or having subtitles as the solution read more

I first visited Justin to get some custom earplugs. With his encouragement I considered getting hearing aids -- sooner rather than later. I visited 5 other vendors in the area and settled on Justin. This is they type of purchase where you need to trust what you are being told, and Justin won my trust. He has great knowledge and took a lot of time with me -- which I really appreciate. Now that I have used the aids for 3 months I have found out how much I needed them! I highly recommend Justin. read more

Whoo Hoo! is right! Having been to other Audiologists in the past, and finding them more product pushers than concerned professional, I highly recommend Justin. Patient, knowledgeable, and personable, THIS is the person you want to help you understand your hearing issues and find the best solutions. Definitely the best at hand/ear holding thru the process and future adjustments so important to customizing your own sound. And his dog, Hazel is also as nice! read more

I was looking for a local hearing aid center, and I found this one. Boy, was I surprised that the service was great and Justin Sparks is very thorough and patient. He spent a lot of time with me, educating me about the hearing aids and adjusting to wearing them. I am picky about my health care choices, and I think his office was a great choice for me. I had taken so long to accept my hearing loss and he made me understand that it was like buying new glasses. I don't feel like a geek now. read more