Jennifer Maw, M.D.

Dr. Maw is the owner and founder of EARS Inc. She practices exclusively Otology/Neurotology and is board certified in Otolaryngology in the United States and Canada. She has been practicing in San Jose since 1998 and has owned her private practice since 2000. She is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Stanford University and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her practice is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of ear disorders, including hearing loss, balance, and facial nerve disorders. She is highly skilled in acoustic neuroma surgery, cochlear implantation, stapedotomy, and vestibular surgery.

Dr. Maw is a member of multiple professional associations and committees, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Neurotology Society. She has participated as an investigating surgeon in the FDA clinical trial of implantable hearing devices and is a leader in her field. She has served as a surgical consultant in Otology-Neurotology and Skull-Base Surgery at Kaiser Santa Clara and Kaiser Fremont Centers. Her current research interests lie in tissue adhesives and bone cements in otologic surgery. She speaks frequently—locally and internationally—about issues related to hearing, innovations, and research.

Steven Dear, M.D.

Team member since: 2009

Dr. Dear trained at Wilford Hall Medical Center and retired as a full Colonel from the United States Air Force and was the Assistant Command Surgeon and a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force Reserve. He has 41 years of experience in Otolaryngology, has run a successful private practice in Sunnyvale and has held appointments as a Clinical Associate Professor at Stanford in otolaryngology and as a Clinical Instructor in allergy.

Dr. Dear has specialized in the medical evaluation and treatment of hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and balance disorders for over 12 years. He previously established a balance center and developed a tinnitus treatment program. At Ear Associates and Rehabilitation Services, he focuses on patients with hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular problems.

Preet Rajan, MMS, PA-C

Preet is a certified Physician Assistant who joined EARS Inc in 2007 and since been a vital member of our team. She is an Internal Medical physician from India, with a Bachelors degree in Medicine and Surgery. She has a Masters in Medical Sciences from St. Francis University, Lorretto Pennsylvania with honors. Prior to joining EARS Inc. she worked as a physician assistant in the dermatology field. She is a member of American Academy of Physician Assistants. Preet treats adult and children ages 5 and older with medical ear problems including vertigo, imbalance, hearing loss, tinnitus, ear infections and ear pain. She also assists Dr. Maw in the pre and post-operative care of surgical patients.

Sarika Patil, Au.D.

Dr. Sarika Patil has been with Ears Inc. since 2004 and is the Director of Audiology. She has 13 years of experience in diagnostic audiology and hearing aid technology. She has subspecialty training in cochlear implant technology and has expertise in programming all 3 manufacturers of cochlear implants that are currently available. Sarika is a co-investigator of research on the Med El Vibrant Soundbridge at EARS Inc.

Liezel Caliva, Hearing Aid Specialist

Liezel is a South Bay Area native, who joined our team in 2007. Liezel worked as the front-office manager and then began her training as a hearing aid dispenser. She works as an audiology technician and is now studying to get her license with the California State Hearing Aid Dispenser Bureau. Liezel has an extensive understanding of hearing loss, hearing aids and their repair. She is fluent in Ilocano.

She attended Santa Clara High School, where she was elected Student Body President. Her passion for science led her to attend the University of California, Davis, where she earned her degree in Psychobiology. Prior to joining EARS Inc, Liezel worked in the field of optometry.

On her free time Liezel enjoys playing sports, cooking and traveling.

Ruchi Ahuja, Au.D.

Dr. Ruchi Ahuja is a licensed Audiologist and a Hearing Aid Dispenser with over nine years of professional experience in the field of Speech and Hearing. She has an extensive background in working with adult and pediatric patients with a myriad of hearing and audiological conditions. She is an expert in the latest hearing aid technologies from leading manufacturers and performs diagnostic assessments including electrophysiological testing. As an Audiologist, she believes in providing unparalleled service to allow her patients to truly enjoy the gift of hearing. She recently completed her Doctorate in Audiology from Salus University (Elkins Park, PA). Ruchi also has a Masters in Audiology from the prestigious University College, London and a Bachelors degree in Speech and Hearing from the well-known All India Institute of Speech and Hearing.

Prior to joining EARS Inc, Ruchi worked at several hearing aid practices and ENT clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. In addition to her professional experience in the US, Ruchi has worked in multiple international locations including the UK, the Middle East and India.

Natalie Schmitt, Au.D.

Dr. Natalie Schmitt was born and raised in Southern Indiana and is a graduate of Purdue University. She moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1995 to conduct her clinical fellowship year. Spanning her 15 year licensed career, she was an Audiologist for Kaiser Permanente for 10 years and a Clinical Specialist for Advanced Bionics for 3 years before joining the team at EARS, Inc. in 2008. Natalie’s specialty and passion is in the area of Cochlear Implants where she evaluates and treats those with profound hearing loss. With over 15 years of experience in hearing aid dispensing, she is highly skilled in state-of-the-art hearing aid technology from multiple manufacturers and believes strongly in an evidence-based practice to ensure patients get an accurate hearing aid fitting. Natalie is a member of multiple professional associations and conducts community outreach events locally to educate the public on the impact of hearing loss. In her spare time, Natalie is an avid snowboarder and enjoys outings with her husband and her newborn son.

Cynthia J. Drotar, OTRL

Cynthia is an occupational therapist who has been working in the sub-specialty area of vestibular and balance therapy for 9 years. She runs the Vestibular and Balance therapy program at EARS Inc and focuses on returning patients to balance health as quickly as possible after inner ear or other balance problems occur. She also has extensive experience in hospital, outpatient, nursing home and home health settings and performs fall prevention analysis for seniors and others at risk for falling.

She graduated from San Jose State University Occupational Therapy program with honors and attends regular conferences and training sessions to keep with current balance therapy practices. Cynthia won’t let you (fall) down.

Krista Dismuke, Front Office Manager

Krista is the front office manager at EARS Inc and has been on the reception staff since 2003. She came to us from a prestigious position patient coordination at Stanford's Laser Eye Center. She serves as the HIPPA coordinator and facilities manager at EARS Inc.

Jacqui Garcia, Billing Manager

Jacqui is in charge of billing and collections and has worked for Dr. Maw since 1999. She is a native of Santa Clara County and attended Los Gatos High School. She then followed her mother's career path into the medical field. Jacqui has over 20 years experience in medical billing. She is very family oriented and cherishes her time spent with her husband, two children and extended family. She is a wonderful cook and loves to entertain family and friends at her home.

Carolyn Mewaldt, Billing Assistant

Carolyn is a data entry and billing specialist who joined EARS Inc. in 2007. She studied Medical Billing at Deanza college an has been in the field for over 10 years. She is an animal lover and an expert baker and serves as the official birthday-cake-maker at EARS Inc.

Sandy Garcia, Front Office Receptionist

Sandy has worked with Dr. Maw for 4 years. She is the HMO and Medical Records Coordinator. In the evenings, Sandy is a student in Junior College and is working on her B.A.

Alex Strife, Scheduling Coordinator

Alex hails from a career in retail and we are thrilled to have converted him to healthcare. Has over 15 years experience in customer service. He works in reception and is also the patient coordinator for the Hearing Aid Department at EARS Inc.

Angelica G. Jimenez, C.M.A.

Angelica Jimenez joined Dr. Maw's office in April 2006 as a Certified Medical Assistant. She graduated from Lawton School in San Jose CA, in Phlebotomy and became a Certified Phlebotomist in 1990 and a Certified Medical Assistant in 1991. Angelica is also certified in Industrial Audiometry and an active member of he California Hispanic American Medical Association (CHAMA).

Karina Aguilar

Karina is a medical assistant who has been with EARS Inc. since 2007. She has a diploma in Medical Assisting from Bryman College and is bilingual in English and Spanish. In addition to may other tasks, Karina focuses on scheduling of radiological testing.