About Mt. Hood Hearing
See Why Patients Choose Mt Hood Hearing
If you or a loved one is searching for hearing loss solutions from a team of specialists who strive to be the best in their area, then you are in the right place!
Choosing new hearing healthcare specialists can be a challenge, especially when looking for one that provides high-quality, cutting-edge treatment technology with extensive experience.
At Mt Hood Hearing, our team knows what it takes to provide this and more. Our personalized care provides our patients with lasting results and quality that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, all our plans are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee!
We are proud to be part of Excellence In Audiology, a group of like-minded hearing healthcare professionals whose mission is to remove the uncertainty for you when it’s time to choose a specialist for quality hearing solutions. We seek to provide you with the tools and the education to be able to answer two key questions with full confidence…
- What are the most important questions to ask a potential hearing specialist to correct your hearing loss?
- How can you be sure that a particular hearing specialist is the best choice to treat your or your loved one’s unique case?
Neuroscientist Approved
Dr. Keith Darrow, Ph.D., CCC-A is a Neuroscientist, Clinical Audiologist, Certified Dementia Practitioner, medical researcher and author. He holds a Ph.D. from a joint Harvard Medical and M.I.T. program focused on Speech and Hearing Bioscience and Technology. As a research associate at the Eaton Peabody Lab at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Dr. Darrow contributed to the development of next-generation auditory prostheses. His most recent contribution to patient access and affordability was advocating nationwide for a low monthly subscription option for the medical treatment of hearing loss and Tinnitus.
During his 20+ year career in research and in the clinic, he has treated or directly influenced the treatment of hundreds of thousands of patients at an increased risk of memory loss and dementia due to hearing loss and tinnitus. He has developed the most comprehensive programs for ensuring patient outcomes and his research has been cited over 1000 times.
Since founding the group Excellence In Audiology, over 1,296 hearing and tinnitus treatment specialists from eight countries have subscribed to Dr. Keith Darrow’s vision to improve lives, reduce the risk of Dementia, and advance the profession of hearing health care, while supporting our communities.
Mt Hood Hearing has been selected by Excellence In Audiology to offer the highest levels of hearing healthcare to the Portland area. We regularly train with Dr. Darrow on the latest hearing loss treatment techniques and share his vision for delivering long-term medical treatment of hearing loss with optimal brain stimulation. This approach is proven to help our patients hear better in all situations while slowing down the progression of hearing loss, improve their mental acuity, reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia, reduce their risk of falls, reduce ringing in the ears, and help them stay independent.
Our Team
Vlad Gutierrez, BC-HIS, CDP
Vlad is a highly accomplished Board Certified Hearing Instrument Specialist with a unique combination of expertise in sound engineering, hearing healthcare, and patient-centered care. Growing up in Venezuela, he discovered his passion for music and sound production while studying audio engineering in Caracas. His educational journey continued in Barcelona, Spain, where he completed a sound technology curriculum and gained valuable experience working for a local hearing aid manufacturing company, mastering hearing technology production and service.
Upon moving to the United States with his wife, Vlad established himself in Portland, Oregon, where he trained at a hearing clinic and obtained his license as a Hearing Instrument Specialist. In 2004, he co-founded Mt. Hood Hearing, where his extensive education, training, and certifications have been pivotal to the practice’s success.
Vlad is Nationally Board Certified through the International Hearing Society, Tinnitus Care Provider Certified, and a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner. He also holds leadership positions as the current president of the Oregon Hearing Society and a board member of Oregon's Advisory Council on Hearing Aids. His collaboration with Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD on the neuroscience of auditory-brain connections, further enriches his expertise.
Vlad’s dedication to employing advanced tools and techniques for hearing loss correction and management has resulted in high satisfaction rates among Mt. Hood Hearing’s patients. His innovative approach and personalized care make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he serves.
Outside of work, his creativity flourishes in the music industry, where he has co-written and self-produced several electronic music albums featured on streaming platforms and TV shows. Fluent in Spanish and currently learning Japanese, Vladimir embraces global cultures and connections. He enjoys traveling, watching Sumo, camping, hiking, and helping run “La Arepa,” a family-owned restaurant that celebrates traditional Venezuelan cuisine.
Darien - Patient Experience Manager
Darien was born and raised in Oregon and cultivated discipline and determination as a competitive gymnast, soccer player, and track and field athlete during her youth. Her early career in customer service ignited her passion for engaging with people and building meaningful connections.
In her early 20s, Darien broadened her horizons by moving abroad to immerse herself in Spanish language and culture. Her international journey included living on La Isla de Margarita in Venezuela, where she met her husband, and later in Barcelona, Spain, where she pursued her licensure in “Chiropractic Massage”.
Upon returning to Oregon, Darien earned her Bachelor of Arts from George Fox University. Since 2005, she has been an integral part of Mt. Hood Hearing, combining her extensive hearing healthcare knowledge, customer service excellence, and global perspective to ensure unparalleled patient care. Her dedication to creating tailored treatment options shows her commitment to improving the lives of those she serves.
When not working, Darien is an avid traveler, especially to Spanish-speaking countries where she connects with locals in their native language. Currently learning Italian, she is eager to add fluency in a third language. In her leisure time, Darien enjoys spending time with her family, camping, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Bret - Treatment Tech/HIS-T
Bret, our Treatment Technician and a trainee on the path to becoming a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist, was raised in Oregon in a large, close‑knit family. Growing up surrounded by birthday parties, beach trips, sporting events, and game nights gave him a deep appreciation for connection and community. His Oregon upbringing also fostered a love for the outdoors, from exploring local forests to fishing for salmon and steelhead with his dad.
He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Portland State University, driven by a desire to understand human connection and how the brain processes the world around us. This course work sparked a lasting interest in auditory health and ultimately led him toward a career in hearing care.
As our Treatment Tech, Bret brings warmth, patience, and a thoughtful understanding of how hearing affects daily life. His blend of scientific curiosity, strong communication skills, and genuine care for people makes him an excellent fit for Mt. Hood Hearing’s patient‑centered approach.
Outside of work, Bret enjoys movie nights and sushi dates with his partner, playing basketball, and spending time with his extended family.
Madison - Patient Experience Coordinator
Madison, born and raised in Washington and Idaho, grew up on a farm where she developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for community. Her years in FFA strengthened her leadership skills and passion for service—qualities that translate directly into the clarity, kindness, and people-first care our patients value at Mt. Hood Hearing.
She began her professional journey as a surgery scheduler for an ophthalmologist, gaining hands-on experience in patient communication, care coordination, and the behind-the-scenes details that keep a clinic running smoothly. That role sparked her interest in healthcare and inspired her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Madison is now preparing to apply for nursing school, with the long-term goal of becoming a registered nurse focused on holistic, patient-centered care. Her dedication to learning and her commitment to compassionate service align beautifully with our mission.
Outside of work and school, Madison enjoys road trips with her partner, fishing, playing the violin, and spending time with her family—interests that reflect the same warmth and grounded presence she brings to our team and our patients.