On This Page:

Who We Are

We understand choosing a hearing care provider is a big decision. At Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services, our number one priority is delivering exceptional patient care. Our staff is well-trained on a variety of services ranging from evaluations to treatment.

We believe great care includes establishing great relationships with our patients. Treating hearing loss is an ongoing process that requires regular follow-ups, maintenance and cleanings to keep you hearing your best. Our staff is here to support you not only during your initial visit but throughout your entire journey to better hearing.

Our Staff

Dr. John Coleman, Doctor of Audiology

Owner, Clinical Audiologist, and Clinical Supervisor

Dr. Coleman established Orange County Physicians' Hearing Services (OCPHS) in 2000 and manages all five office locations. He received his Masters Degree from California State University, Fullerton and received his training during his clinical fellowship year at House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles.

Dr. Erica Higgins, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist and Supervisor

Dr. Higgins joined Orange County Physicians' Hearing Services (OCPHS) in June 2006. She graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Communications Sciences, and Disorders from Western Illinois University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was the recipient of the Departmental Scholar Award. Dr. Higgins received her clinical doctorate in audiology from Missouri State University. She completed her one-year clinical externship at OCPHS in 2007 and then joined the practice as a full time audiologist.

Dr. Pirayeh Niavarany, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Niavarany received her Master's degree in Audiology from the University of Southampton in England. She obtained her Doctorate in Audiology from University of Florida. She joined O.C. Physicians' Hearing Services (OCPHS) from 2009 to 2011 where she completed her clinical fellowship. Dr. Niavarany returned to OCPHS in 2013.

Dr. Kristi Panek, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Kristi Panek joined Orange County Physicians' Hearing Services (OCPHS) in August 2013. She received her Bachelor's degree in Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences from San Diego State University, and her Doctorate in Audiology from A. T. Still University in Mesa, Arizona.

Dr. Josh Gilbert, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Gilbert joined Orange County Physicians' Hearing Services in 2014, where he completed his fourth year clinical externship for licensure in the state of California. He graduated with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology from Baylor University in 2011. He graduated with his Doctorate in Audiology from University of Florida.

Dr. Kent Weaver, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Weaver has been with Orange County Physicians' Hearing Services since 2015. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in General Science from Grand View College (University), Iowa in 1993, his Master of Communication Disorders degree from LSU Medical Center, Louisiana in 1997, and his Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Florida in 2001.

Dr. Deanna Gende, Doctor of Audiology

Clinical Audiologist

Dr. Deanna Gende joined Orange County Physicians' Hearing Services in August 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from Portland State University and her Doctorate of Audiology from Idaho State University. Dr. Gende completed her fourth-year clinical externship at Shohet Ear Associates in 2016.

Naomi Vega, B.A.

Fourth Year Audiology Doctoral Extern

Naomi Vega began her externship at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services in June 2023. She is currently completing her Doctorate of Audiology at Pacific University in Hillsboro, Oregon, and is anticipated to graduate in August of 2024. She graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in 2017.