Patient Stories

“I love Holland Hearing. They really make me feel like family

“They changed my life because I was working beyond normal years. To be able to hear children’s voices – that really helped me.

“The ‘find my hearing aid’ app really works and helped me to find my hearing aids when I lost them.

“I just love the place. I do count them as family because they take care of me, just like family.”

Initially, Suzie visited Holland Hearing Center to prove a point to her son that she didn’t need hearing aids. After she had performed the hearing test, to her surprise, she was told that she had only 36% of her hearing and required hearing aids.

Since being fitted with hearing aids, Suzie’s life has changed in many ways. Her family and friends no longer have to raise their voices and she feels much happier.

Suzie believes Holland Hearing is the best place in town, adding “They’re very personable, they really care about you and your problems. We are just one big family and it’s a great place to be.”

“Being part of Holland Hearing Center has been a blessing to me and my family. My wife can definitely can hear me better now. I don’t have to use closed captions on the TV anymore.

“It’s a great company with great people. Dr. Mangrem has been a great doctor and a great friend, and I’ve really just enjoyed my experience with them.”

We felt excited when we were fitted with our new hearing aids, we could hear people and we didn’t have to have the TV at 95 or 100 and we could turn the subtitles off!

If somebody is thinking about booking an appointment just do it.

Bud suffered an injury in 1968 which left him with a profound hearing loss, ‘the first thing I noticed was the ringing in the ears’ he says.

This life-changing event left Bud feeling lonely and nervous about joining in conversations and social gatherings as normal.

Bud says ‘if you are hard of hearing, people get angry and impatient with you. Nobody likes that, you pull back and that is what hurt me the most, it is so lonely’.

Bud’s decision to get hearing aids was not taken lightly ‘I’m not a spendthrift, I have taken a long time on hearing aids because of the price……..they were money well spent’.

Bud can now take part in conversations with confidence, he says his hearing aids ‘make all the difference in the world’.

I lost my hearing aid while out walking. I managed to find it but it was in very bad shape, I brought it back to Holland and after 15 minutes their technician had it back in tip top shape!

I was so relieved, and so grateful that the service was free, I recommend Holland Hearing Center to everyone!

I noticed that I was having trouble with my left ear while on the telephone. I had been elsewhere for hearing care but found Holland Hearing Center to be much better. My quality of life has been vastly improved and I would recommend anyone to go and experience the help I have received for themselves.

The biggest change I found, was not having to say “huh” all the time. My colleagues noticed it too. I have already recommended Holland Hearing Center to a few of my colleagues. The care was warm and they care about their patients.

I would recommend anyone having a hard time hearing to come to Holland Hearing Center, the service is great, the devices are wonderful and the people are very helpful.

“My husband is 32 and it’s been very helpful now that he has gotten hearing aids. He couldn’t hear anything I was saying. He would continue to ask me ‘What? Huh? What?’ It was very irritating. He was reluctant about it …he did not wanna have hearing aids at the age of 31.

“So he went to Sam’s first and didn’t believe that Sam’s knew what they were doing. So then he chose to come to Holland Hearing. He can now hear our daughters, which has been very helpful to our relationship ‘cause I now have help with the kids. It’s been so much better now that he has hearing aids.”

“We go to conventions and banquets …I just kind of had to pretend that I could hear the people across from me shaking my head and saying yes and hoping I wasn’t agreeing to do something like join a committee.

“I’d seen the commercials on TV, and I saw Kelsi and she just seemed so sweet. I’m like nobody can be that sweet. So then, after I met her, I realized she was. I came in and did the hearing test and she said I definitely had some problems. I needed some help which I already knew. My husband would fuss at me for having the TV so loud.

“I feel like the man that had helped me at the big box store, I feel he had taken some classes maybe, but I felt like Kelsi had all the education, not just to help them fit better but to be able to tell me now when this does this, then do this, and right away she knew what to do.
“I wanted to be able to hear my grandkids. They have these little soft voices … I missed a lot of things … and I don’t want to miss when they talk to me.”

“About ten or fifteen years ago, I started where I couldn’t hear as well and it just kept progressing, but I kept putting it off because it was the stigma of having a hearing aid. When it finally got to the point about five, six years ago that I was, all that I was doing was saying amount of ‘What?’ and missing most of my conversations that I decided I wanted to get hearing aids …

“… When I got here to Holland Hearing it was simple and you didn’t have the problems that I thought it would, and there lots of times nobody even notices that you have hearing aids, and this equipment here, these hearing aids, they’re just so good and you get great customer service from Holland Hearing.

“It’s made such a big difference in my life that I was missing for several years … The grandkids love it, you know. They make fun of me if I don’t have my hearing aids in.”

The moment I first realized something was off with my ears was when I noticed that I didn’t always catch the entire sentence during conversations. This became a frequent occurrence with everyone, and I found myself struggling to engage in group discussions. Even one-on-one conversations at home were becoming challenging.

Prior to contacting Holland Hearing, I had some concerns; mainly, I wanted to find out what was happening with my hearing and what options were available. I honestly didn’t realize how many sounds I was missing out on, which was quite concerning as I learned about the extent of my hearing challenges.

I grew up in Abilene, Texas, and was familiar with advertisements for Holland Hearing, but I didn’t know anything specific about the company or its staff. I made the appointment on a whim and am so glad I chose them. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable. The staff made me feel at ease and guided me through the entire process with warmth and kindness.

Since getting hearing aids, my life has significantly improved. I never realized how many little sounds I was not hearing before—like the gentle flow of water from the faucet, the clink of the light switch, and even the sound of birds in the backyard. I’ve even started to hear the church bells near my home, which was a first for me.

To anyone concerned about their hearing and considering a visit to Holland Hearing, I would say that if you’re straining to catch conversations or having difficulty with everyday sounds, don’t wait—make an appointment to get tested. The longer you procrastinate, the more you miss out on. Hearing aids are an investment that is absolutely worth it, especially since they are custom-tuned to your specific hearing loss and the follow-ups ensure proper maintenance.

The moment I first realized there might be something wrong with my ears was when I found myself constantly saying “What?” It was embarrassing to struggle hearing in crowds, and I noticed I could no longer appreciate dialects that I once loved, especially English, Scottish, and East Indian accents. I had even attempted to learn Swiss German but had to give up due to my inability to hear the sounds clearly. Now, as I’m trying to learn regular German, I realize it’s still not easy.

Before contacting Holland Hearing, I had some concerns and wasn’t sure how severe my hearing loss was. Having shot trap and skeet in the past, I was apprehensive that my upper-end hearing loss might be irreparable. With a family history of relatives who were very hard of hearing, I feared I might be facing an inherited, progressive hearing loss.

Dr. Mangrem was incredibly comforting—she’s upbeat, communicative, and educational. She took the time to answer questions I didn’t even know I had, and the rest of the staff was extremely helpful as well.

Now that I wear hearing aids, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my life. I’ve forgotten many of the auditory problems that used to trouble me. One particular concern was not being able to hear rattlesnakes, which is a serious issue here in West Texas as I kennel dogs and need to keep them safe. I feel much more confident walking around my property now. I’m eagerly anticipating getting my final set of hearing aids soon, which will be 25% stronger than the demo pairs I’m using now.

Additionally, I’m grateful I didn’t invest in cheap hearing aids online; I now understand that they aren’t tested on patients beforehand and may not provide the necessary precision. I prefer to have hearing aids that are medically correct rather than risk potential damage.

To anyone who is worried about their hearing and is considering visiting Holland Hearing, I’d say pay attention—your hearing is a fundamental part of your five senses, just as important as your eyesight. I’ve realized that I’ve been avoiding social interactions and learning experiences that require accurate hearing because they can be quite stressful. Phone conversations are particularly frustrating, especially when others don’t speak up. I’ve even hung up on important calls due to misunderstandings.

In emergency situations, clear communication is critical—there may not be time to repeatedly ask “What?” Therefore, if nothing else, I recommend having your hearing checked to understand where you stand.

Years ago, I knew I had some hearing loss, but I was vain about my appearance and discounted the idea of getting hearing aids. However, once I decided that hearing aids could improve my quality of life, especially after learning that hearing loss might contribute to or aggravate issues related to dementia, I had few concerns before reaching out.

My first impression of Holland was excellent; I initially met with Dr. Mangrem at her Alpine office, and she was knowledgeable, professional, and helpful from the start.

I can now comfortably engage in conversations with staff at restaurants, doctors’ offices, and other noisy environments without relying on my wife to repeat back what was said, which used to be the case. If someone is concerned about their hearing and is thinking about visiting Holland Hearing, I would advise them not to hesitate; I wish I had done this 10 years earlier.

The modern hearing aids are very inconspicuous, and Holland has been instrumental in helping me acquire the right devices and adjusting them to meet my individual hearing loss needs.

I first realized I had a hearing challenge when I was testing to get into the military. When I contacted the clinic, I didn’t have any fears or concerns, and my first impression was that everyone was great and very caring.

I’ve had hearing aids for over forty years now, and they have been essential in my life. If someone in Abilene is concerned about their hearing, I would tell them that this clinic is the best place to go.

I first realized I had a hearing challenge early in my career as a steel fabricator, working around very noisy machinery. When I reached out to the clinic, I didn’t have any fears or concerns, and I was very impressed with the courteous professionalism I encountered.

Although I’ve missed out on conversations before getting hearing aids, they have made a significant difference in my life. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I’d say, go for it! No worries.

I first realized I had a hearing challenge back in 2015, and it was frightening. As someone who is still working, and in a job where listening is my most critical tool. I was also worried about the impact it could have on my personal relationships with family and friends. I didn’t have any preconceived fears before contacting the clinic; I knew I couldn’t hear well and needed to determine the extent of the damage.

My first impression of the clinic was that the staff were kind, caring, and attentive to my needs. Wearing hearing aids has profoundly changed my life in ways I hadn’t even considered before. To anyone concerned about their hearing, I can confidently recommend addressing it now. Share your concerns—whether they’re physical or financial—but remember, hearing is an investment in your mental and physical health.

I’m so blessed I found out about you and “listened “ to you . I got four grandsons that make hearing a lot more important to me these days. I couldn’t respect the culture at Holland Hearing more and tell everyone that’s interested in better hearing about you.

Collin is simply superb and everyone else makes a visit a good thing not a chore.

I wish you continued success because you deserve it.

Thank you so much for the care you have given Dad. He liked you from the very start and I can see why. Your professional service is offered through your genuine concern for your patients. Dad (and our family) have benefited from your kind manner and expertise. Blessings to you and & yours during this Christmas season and into 2022.

I first noticed that I might have a hearing loss when my wife said I never listen anymore.

I had noticed some ringing in my ears and some tone loss but prior to my appointment with Holland Hearing Center, I believed my hearing loss was just a part of getting old and that hearing devices were too intrusive and annoying for me to be comfortable with them (which I now know not to be true – I barely notice they’re there unless I fidget with them).

My experience at my first appointment was awesome. I had decided to address my issue with a new attitude – be honest and accept the inevitable. I did not realize that I only had a certain frequency loss. The enhancement of that is amazing.

Wearing hearing aids means that I can now comfortably play and listen to music. I’m so amazed at the difference in the sound quality I can hear. And as for my wife, she loves me more because I am not ignoring her unintentionally. Because they are Bluetooth connected to my phone, I can better listen to phone calls, the radio, sports, and even meditation therapy.

My advice to you is that hearing aids are not just for old people.

Everyone at any age needs the most optimal capability of any of our senses given to us by God. Vision, dental, or even hearing.

Holland Hearing understands this and I found them to be very patient and educational. Please don’t short yourself on the best quality of life.

I first realized that I had a hearing loss 30 years ago when I started to hear a bothersome noise in my ears. I first thought this was tinnitus.

The first person that I went to said I had a little high frequency loss and there was nothing that could be done about my tinnitus. Then I started having difficulty accurately hearing certain words, especially in crowds or at a restaurant.

As time passed and I knew I needed to get my hearing tested again, my biggest fear was that the tinnitus could not be mitigated and that any devices I needed were financially out of my reach.

My experience with Holland Hearing from day one was wonderful!

I met with the owner and was made to feel comfortable. I felt like I was important to her and her staff, and that they would stick with me until I was satisfied that my hearing issues were resolved. Everyone was friendly, professional, patient, and genuinely concerned about my situation and resolving my issues.

I was floored at the difference the hearing aids made!

The devices had a feature to help me cope with the tinnitus and I quickly realized I had been missing out on so much because my hearing was definitely not what it needed to be and could be. The “quality of life” thing exists and was so vastly improved after getting tested and fitted for hearing aids. And I actually was able to afford them! Holland Hearing had payment options that fit my financial life perfectly.

If you’re considering visiting Holland Hearing Center, I would say that you would not find a better group of hearing professionals anywhere else.

I had experience in Abilene and in Dallas with other audiologists and their staff were not at all positive.

Holland Hearing was outstanding in all elements of what I expected from the experience.

Anyone in this area who has any concerns about their hearing needs to drop everything and get an appointment with Dr. Mangrem or Dr. Holland as soon as they can.

You will be absolutely pleased with the results.

Like a lot of people, Noel was aware that his hearing had been fading for years. But he hadn’t done anything about it.

For a variety of reasons, hearing loss can be a difficult health issue to confront. It’s not something that’s frequently discussed in public – and often close family members are the first to recognize there’s a problem.

In Noel’s case, he wasn’t sure where to seek help or who would be the right person to address his particular concerns.

“She was so caring, competent, and considerate that I wished I had visited her earlier,” he says.

In particular, he valued the way Dr. Holland tailored his treatment directly to his needs, using her expert knowledge to uncover his hearing problem.

“It was a wonderful experience; a professional, personalized service – and that’s ideal!” he says.

The treatment that Dr. Holland offered him made a huge difference to his life experiences and, in particular, the way he was able to interact with loved ones.

“Now that my hearing deficit has been solved, I’m not missing out on conversations anymore!” he says.

Today, Noel has a simple message for any future patients with worries: “Anyone doubting their hearing should head for Holland Hearing!” he says.

Mr. Bowen first recognized he had a hearing loss while at work a number of years ago.

“I was in business meetings and realized I was not really hearing everything I needed to hear,” he says.

Initially, he didn’t think a specialist would be able to treat this issue. Like most, he felt it was a problem that everyone had to just deal with as they get older.

In any case, he decided to speak to someone at Holland Hearing Center. “This was many years ago when they first opened,” he says.

Dr. Kelsi Mangrem assessed his hearing and came up with a solution – advanced hearing technology that would effectively treat his condition.

As soon as he left, he witnessed a dramatic change in his experience. And today, he benefits from a range of accessories that are improving his life even further.

“Now I can control my hearing aids with my smartphone and use them in ‘restaurant mode’ to reduce background noise,” he says.

“I like that they can be updated remotely, and Holland Hearing’s follow up service is great.”

But just as important, his work and home life has benefitted from his original decision to see a doctor of audiology.

“My business associates, as well as my family, have noticed how much better I am at hearing and are delighted,” he says, adding: “and so am I.”

“My hearing loss journey started when I first heard ringing in my ear, my biggest concern was not being able to find treatment but my experience at Holland Hearing finally found an answer. Dr. Kelsi Mangrem explained everything and answered all my questions. She was very patient with me and made sure that I understood everything about the hearing loss.

Straight away, I could see the difference and it has totally changed my life, not being able to hear was very frustrating and I didn’t realize how much of a difference the hearing aids would make, I totally love them. I totally recommend Holland Hearing, the staff is super friendly and they work with you.”

I developed tinnitus after military service and tests showed I had general hearing loss. I realized I was having issues hearing when in crowded places and hearing consonants in particular.

I had heard from many people how great the team was at Holland Hearing Center and my impressions have been very positive too. I now enjoy music and conversations much more and don’t have to ask people to repeat things.

My advice to anyone concerned about their hearing would be ‘don’t hesitate to make an appointment – in fact why aren’t you on the phone making one right now!’

It has been over six or seven years ago that I began to realize that I had issues not only with hearing loss but tinnitus as well. My greatest reluctance was with the actual wearing of the hearing aid. As I am very active in ranching and outdoor activities, I anticipated that wearing a hearing aid would be a hindrance to my work and lifestyle. While some adjustment is necessary, I certainly feel the benefits outweigh the adjustment.

I first addressed my hearing loss with another specialist with whom I was very pleased but after wearing the device for approximately 5 years, I lost one and had to seek out someone new. I had heard of Holland Hearing and decided to approach them with my needs. They were very attentive to my past experience and aggressively addressed my current needs, showing the new advances in hearing aid therapy and technology. It has been a blessing to have the newest and best technology available and with the knowledge of Dr. Holland, it has been a great improvement to my hearing needs.

For the first timer addressing a hearing problem, getting help is simple and easy and very rewarding. The staff at Holland Hearing Center treat you like family and “listen” to what you are experiencing and just “fix” it! Don’t wait. Don’t wait. The process of improving one’s hearing is so painless and satisfying that there is no point in putting off being a better hearing-listener and improving your quality of life.

I’m a singer and I’ve sung I don’t know how many times in Abilene over the last 30 years. I came here for my most important stop, Holland Hearing Center. I have severe hearing loss from loud music and shooting guns. I hope if you have hearing loss that you should take my word, I could go anywhere in the world, I choose to come to Abilene to Holland Hearing Center.

When Mary Ann decided to seek help for her hearing loss, her daughter encouraged her to try Holland Hearing Center. Mary Ann is glad she followed her daughter’s advice.
“I knew I had come to the right place after my hearing test with Collin,” says Mary Ann. “He treated me like family and not just a patient.”

Following her comprehensive hearing assessment, Mary Ann was prescribed hearing aids. She is pleased with her new devices and the follow-up care she’s received. Mary Ann says, “I love that I can boost my hearing aids at night and be ready when I get up in the morning.”

Reflecting on Holland’s patient cares, she shares, “Anytime I have a question, they answer immediately and encourage me to come in whenever I need to for cleanings, etc.”

Mary Ann hopes others will follow in her footsteps and give Holland Hearing Center a try, saying, “I really appreciate their customer care, it’s intentional and consistent.” She concludes, “Thank you, Holland Hearing.”

Shaula has worn hearing aids for 20 years, so she knows the importance of having a trusting relationship with her audiologist.

She says, “I have had seven different pairs of hearing aids, as my hearing progressively got worse. I saw several different audiologists over the years, all of them recommended by my doctors.”

So when Shaula moved to Abilene seven years ago, she was unsure where to go for her hearing care. “I searched online to find an audiologist in Abilene who was proficient in the specific brand of hearing aids that I used at that time,” she says. “Holland Hearing Center was the only name that popped up.”

Initially, Shaula had some reservations about giving Holland Hearing Center a try. But as it turns out, taking a chance was the best step forward on her better hearing journey.

“I was a little leery of using an audiologist who had not been specifically recommended to me by an MD,” she recalls. “But now when I look back on my hesitation, I know that God was in the mix. Holland Hearing Center has been a profound blessing to me ever since. In my experience, they are unrivaled in service and expertise.”

Remembering her initial appointment, Shaula shares, “My first appointment was with Dr. Holland, she seems to have an uncanny ability to understand exactly what people are going through with their hearing loss and exactly what can be done to help. Best of all, she LISTENS to her patients.”

During the past seven years, Shaula has had the opportunity to work with other members of the team, and her enthusiasm for the center has not dwindled. She says, “I can tell you, not all audiologists are gifted in this way, but everyone I have met at Holland Hearing Center is focused and intent on serving people in every way possible to make living with hearing loss better and easier.”

To anyone contemplating an appointment, Shaula is quick to offer her reassurance, saying, “They have a large staff of friendly, supportive, professional people who can address any problem concerning hearing loss, and they do it well, with honesty and integrity.”

Reflecting further on her experience with Holland Hearing Center, she concludes, “They always make me feel comfortably in good hands. I am so grateful that I found them. I highly recommend them to anyone, as now I would never trust my hearing to anyone else.”