For example, the team at Los Gatos Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, located at 430 Monterey Ave., has been a leader in its field for three decades. Originally established as Los Gatos Hearing Aid Center by clinical audiologist Tak Katsumoto 30 years ago, the center "went digital" right when the industry developed digital technology back in 1997.

"We sell the latest digital technology, including super tiny, miniaturized hearing aids, assisted listening devices, and specialized earplugs for swimming, noise exposure, and even snoring," explains office manager Evelyn Miller. "We also perform preventive maintenance and repairs for all units as well."

When Katsumoto sold the business to his longtime partner, clinical audiologist Ellen Mosher, earlier this year, Mosher felt a name change to reflect the center's progressiveness was in order—hence the addition of "audiology" to the business name. Mosher and Katsumoto have worked together for nearly 20 years at the facility. Even though the name and ownership have changed, Katsumoto continues to work there as a hearing aid dispenser.

"One of the unique things about our practice is that we set up appointments with patients for about every four months for preventive maintenance and repairs, as after all, [the hearing aids] are mechanical devices," says Mosher. "Almost all hearing aids are digital now, which means they search constantly to separate voices from other background noise, which gives a better signal-to-noise ratio. A few years ago, digital devices were too expensive for many patients, whereas now digital devices are available in a variety of price points, with customizable options as the price rises, and the analog devices are almost phased out."

"The most rewarding part of this business is helping people to hear better," Mosher adds. "The most difficult part is explaining to people that, unlike vision surgery which can help people regain the sight they once had, regardless of how wonderful the technology is, we can't give back the hearing someone's lost. The devices are only as good as an individual's ear and brain process sound."

While Mosher says there's a lot of research being done in nerve regeneration, the latest she's heard from any physicians is that the industry is still about 17 years away from that as a reality.

The practice continues to draw patients from as far away as Arizona and Colorado. Mosher herself has served as an expert witness on the medical and legal aspects of audiology for the past 20 years. For more information on Los Gatos Audiology & Hearing Aid Center, call 408.354.1312 or visit the center online at www.losgatoshearingaid.com.

On the home front, owner Everett Lakoduk of The Kitchen Enthusiast, located at 214 N. Santa Cruz, remains at the forefront of the "furniture in the kitchen" trend.

With his work showcased in two recent issues of the prestigious Signature Kitchens & Baths publications (including a kitchen that integrated a distinctive Tuscany look created by Los Gatos designer Rebecca Dunn), Lakoduk continues to turn heads.

With design showrooms sequentially established in Los Angeles, Monterey and Idaho, prior to moving here in 1998, Lakoduk now feels most at home with his Los Gatos showroom.

Unlike many designers, he has a background in construction, which gives him a unique advantage when it comes to turning drawings into reality.

"What sets us apart is that I began as an installer and worked in all of the various trades in this industry before venturing into design," Lakoduk says. "While I feel my designs are fabulous, it's crucial to me that they work well from an installation and functionality standpoint. I believe I'm able to translate the design more easily into reality because I know the types of things that look lovely on paper but create problems. I bring practical experience to the equation.

"Now there's a big movement toward furniture in kitchen. In fact, I'm just installing a new 9¹/2-foot-tall piece by Habersham in my showroom," he adds.

Together with other key designers on board, including Stan Royer and new associate Ross Nelson, Lakoduk is excited to continue offering unique design expertise, as well as new furniture-style products, in Los Gatos' sophisticated market.

The Kitchen Enthusiast is open every Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and by appointment. Call 408.354.3707 or send an email message to Lakoduk at lle7@sbcglobal.net. The website is www.thekitchenenthusiast.com.

A quick reminder for wine lovers: The French Cellar, located at 32 E. Main St., still has openings for its March and April wine-appreciation classes. Taste the red wines of France on March 10, the red wines of Bordeaux on March 24, the red wines of Burgundy on April 7 or the wines of the Rhône on April 21.

All classes are limited to 16 participants; they begin at 7 p.m. and last approximately two hours.

To participate, call 408.354.0993.

Do you have or know about a cool new Los Gatos business, a hot news tip or a business anniversary or special event to announce? We'd love to hear about it. Contact Michelle C. Crowe at 408.378.9056 or a1writers@hotmail.com.