Dr. Mangrem was incredibly comforting

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.