Learn About Our Flex Hearing Aid Trial Program

Welcome to the Family

Voted #1 Hearing Center in Traverse City

Family defines our business. We know communication is key to any relationship, so we include the most significant people in our patient’s life throughout their journey to better hearing. This way, our patients can listen, laugh, and live better together.

Any hearing aid can increase volume, but at Family Hearing Care, our experience and expertise is why we were voted the #1 Hearing Care Center in Traverse City. Contact Family Hearing Care today to receive sound advice for a better future!

Learn More About Us


Family Hearing Care

Family Hearing Care Staff

Dr. Paul and Dr. Hillary’s experience in hearing healthcare brings together the knowledge and expertise to treat your hearing loss with their whole family approach to communication problems.

Family Hearing Services

  • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation

    60-90 Minutes

  • Hearing Aid Evaluation

    30-60 Minutes

  • Hearing Screening

    15 Minutes

  • Real Ear Measurement
  • Air Bone Testing
  • Cerumen Wax Removal
  • Hearing Aid Clean & Check
  • Hearing Aid Orientation/Fitting

    60 Minutes

  • Hearing Aid Conformity

    30 Minutes

  • Hearing Aid Repair
  • Custom Care & Listening Products
  • Functional Communication Assessment

Our Services

A Guide to Hearing Loss


Hearing Loss Solutions

Patient Testimonials

“Exceptional, wonderful, and a truly “family hearing care” professional service from a simply extraordinary staff — close to home for many of us throughout the years in Traverse City. Many Thanks!” Tom E., Traverse City

“Since moving to Traverse City four years ago, I have had occasion to visit fourteen different medical offices.  Some offered excellent professional care but lacked staff concern for the patient; others had excellent staff concern for the patient, but I was a ‘necessary evil’ to the professional.  Still others lacked concern all the way around.  One office clearly stands above the rest topping both the list for professional care and the list for staff concern for the patient and that is Family Hearing Care of Traverse City.

I was initially impressed when I called for an appointment and even more so when I arrived, waiting only days for the appointment rather than the weeks or months elsewhere.  The staff was cheerful and genuinely concerned about my hearing deficit.  More importantly, Dr. Paul Hanrahan “blew me away” by the thoroughness of his exam and most importantly, the amount of time he spent making sure I understood the results of that exam.  When the time came to replace my ancient hearing aids, I had 100% confidence in in Dr. Hanrahan’s recommendation.  Now, after a couple of months of wearing my new hearing aids, I am even more thankful I followed Dr. Hanrahan’s recommendation.

Clearly, Family Hearing Care in Travere City has earned my highest recommendation!”

“My husband, who has been wearing hearing aids for about 30 years, was disappointed with the results he had been getting with his aids but resigned to the idea that he would never be able to participate in group conversations again. At the time he came to see Dr. Hanrahan, at my insistence, he was wearing a new set of hearing aids from a local representative of a national brand for a short trial. I could not notice the difference between those and the ones from the same firm he had been wearing presently. Since we do not live in Traverse City I went on line to research what was available there. The only thing we knew in making the appointment at Family Hearing Care with Dr.Hanrahan was that he had some favorable comments on his site from happy clients. Since the comments of others were a benefit to us I wanted to let others know our experience with Dr. Hanrahan and Peter. My husband has been wearing his new aids for several months now and they have improved his life (and mine!) more than any hopes or expectations we had. Dr. Hanrahan spent several hours with us. He answered our questions patiently giving complete and understandable answers. We will never go anyplace else for hearing aids and we are happy to recommend Dr. Hanrahan. Thank you Dr. Hanrahan for improving our lives. Only someone with a severe hearing loss (and their family) could truly appreciate what you have done for us.”

– Marti and Sam Somsel, Manistee MI

“I was referred to Dr. Paul Hanrahan by a friend who recently received new hearing aids and was so marveled by the new technology as well as the character and professionalism of the Doctor. I could not pass up the opportunity to confirm these attributes in addition to the fact that I could not hear very well! True to form, my first meeting with Dr. Paul was an astounding success. His thoroughness, knowledge and understanding were incredible. He was so empathetic and dedicated to improving my hearing problems of long standing. After wearing aids for the last 10 years, the new technology he offers is unbelievable! More importantly, it has changed my quality of life so much for the better!I can hear again!! Discerning what is going on around me now is a real awakening. Sounds- from my family, friends, church environment and even quiet moments are enhanced significantly by what Dr. Paul has done for me. To hear the crackling pages of a newspaper or book as I turn the page, the drip of a water faucet, the chirp of a bird, the soft tones from my loving wife…how wonderful again! Thanks Dr. Paul, I am forever indebted to you.”

 – Bob Marth , Glen Arbor, MI

“My Family Hearing Care’s first appointment with Dr. Paul Hanrahan and his in-depth screening and comprehensive evaluation have been truly exceptional in every way — informative, helpful, relaxed, caring, and dedicated. Dr. Paul provided me, and my family, with a thoughtful, step-by-step, caregiver review of my test results and hearing needs. My assessment included an extended conversation and consultation about my assisted hearing options, my ongoing communication challenges with suggestions for improvement, the full range of hearing aid technology choices, all capped by Dr. Paul and Family Hearing Care’s continuing care, patient counseling, and “try before you purchase” services. I am so thrilled that my new hearing aids have provided me with the renewed ability and wonderful capacity to hear and be engaged with my family, friends, and to once again fully experience my surroundings – both indoors and out-of-doors – for the first time in many, many years. We are delighted to recommend and refer Paul Hanrahan and Family Hearing Care’s staff and services to our friends, colleagues, and family members who are in need of hearing help!”

– Tom & Diane Emling

“I would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank you” to Family Hearing Care.  Having been referred by friends and a local physician, I was told, “This is the BEST facility to address your hearing concerns”…..I have not been disappointed with that assessment.  I had been aware of experiencing difficulty with picking up details of conversations for some time, but I dismissed it as “normal” aging (I am 62 y.o.).  Recently my friends and family noted that over time, despite typically being a very social and spontaneous person), I had become somewhat disengaged with people.  They began to recognize that I had not been understanding or hearing conversations therefore I could not respond or interact as I once had done.  The hearing evaluation confirmed a significant enough loss that bilateral aids were recommended.  Dr. Hanrahan provided a most comprehensive evaluation, explanations of all procedures, findings, and recommendations to be sure I had a thorough understanding of all variables to be considered.  When I took advantage of the “demo” aids, I was shocked and overwhelmed at the difference in my experience of our world.  As a professional musician and a mental health professional, I depend upon incoming auditory information to determine how to respond, both musically and verbally.  I literally did not know what I had been missing.  I also came to realize how exhausting it had become for me to attempt to interpret what people were saying  thus relied upon visual cues, gestures, lip movement, etc. to comprehend my environment.  With the assistance of hearing aids, when I was first able to hear the full tones of my wife’s voice, music that I make with my friends, birds singing, and even the clicking of my car’s turn signal, I knew this was a life-changing experience. Thank you Family Hearing Care for you personal and professional service and ongoing support.  My life is forever improved thanks to you.”
– Marshall Cronican-Walker

” It is a pleasure to write a letter for Family Hearing Care. My experience could not have been more enjoyable-perhaps a surprising adjective, but Dr. Paul’s initial interest in my hearing situation, his careful explanation of his findings coupled with his expertise in adjusting my hearing aids earned him that term. Additionally, the benefits of the two week free trial of these aids, the free supply of batteries and the  choice of an additional device all contributed to my total satisfaction. Before seeking a new health professional I usually do some research but I didn’t do that this time. However, I could not have had a better experience or be more pleased with Dr. Paul Hanrahan, whom I will look forward to meeting again with next summer when I will again be in Michigan.”

– Susie of Gladstone – New Jersey

“To the entire staff of Family Hearing Care… Thank You! I am not writing this about the improvement in the quality of life for my Dad, Darrell L. Holmes, Sr. ; I am writing to thank you for the improvement in the quality of life for his family and everyone who crosses his path now.
My dad has suffered from hearing loss since as long as I can remember. I used to think he suffered from “not listening!” Come to find out, he really couldn’t hear well, and the hearing loss grew progressively worse as he got older. He tried many hearing devices and hearing aids but they never worked effectively or didn’t work for long. The hearing device he purchased from you has changed his life and ours!
My mother suffered the most from his hearing loss, living with a television turned up to maximum and having additional speakers screaming from around the house. She also has repeated everything loudly in his face for years. Everything! My dad also couldn’t hear his phone ring even when it was in his chest pocket. If he did hear it, he couldn’t hear it once he answered. So every time anyone wanted to call and tell him something, we all just called mom and had her yell it to him. Now, all of that has changed and my dad life has changed, thanks to the device he purchased from you.
He would never admit it, he is fairly stubborn, but he is even much happier. My mother and their dog are also much happier, as well as everyone who visits them during a baseball game, CNN special report, or when an old rerun of Hee Haw is playing. The walls of the house aren’t shaking from the speakers and we can carry on conversations while the television is playing, between innings and commercials that is. My parents also raved about the family atmosphere of your practice. They couldn’t have been happier or more satisfied with the service and hearing ability for my dad you provided and sold them. While the device isn’t cheap, the quality of life for my family was worth it. At least to me, they paid for it!
Thank You for what you’ve done for my Dad, Mom (Kaye), Pippen (Their prized Newfoundland puppy),
and the rest of the family. Yes, in that order. “
– Darrell L. Holmes, Jr.

“To Peter & Dr. Hillary: after more than 30 years of enjoying our Lake Leelanau home we have not been immune to health problems-fish hooks in the thumb, bee sting reactions, etc. but this year was the best. First I jumped in Lake Leelanau with the top of the line Phonak hearing aids, only to find via Google, that Family Hearing Care existed. One call got me to Peter who, the same day, totally repaired my “working” hearing aid and answered all my warranty questions, etc. and sent me home, totally satisfied and hearing normally. Two days later I got water in my “good” ear and couldn’t get it out, overnight or the next day. I saved the brochure and noticed “Dr. Hillary” who, true to your word, worked me in the same day and, within one second of examination, determined my whole ear canal was cemented with wax, all the way to the eardrum, and assured me in the most friendly and professional manner that she could take on the task (that no audiologist or even primary care doctor) ever mentioned. I cannot describe the personal, reassuring and professional manner that she attacked the goal of clearing years of packed wax and carefully and painlessly removed it so that my eardrum was in view (for the first time ever) and the water in my ear no longer existed. Dr. Hillary, you go far beyond an audiologist and a hearing aid specialist-you exceed the expectations of anyone in your field, and I am so grateful for your care. Please keep my file for the future–you WILL see me again!!”

– Mr. Mileham, Lake Leelanau

“I finally listened to my children about their concerns with regard to noticing I had hearing loss. My primary care doctor referred me to Family Hearing Care. I met with Dr.Hillary Toennies for testing. She was professional, efficient and explained the test results clearly. I was provided a test pair of hearing aids. From day one I was amazed at the difference in hearing I experienced. My insurance was not very generous with hearing aid coverage, but Peter Smith made some calls and found I could get better coverage. I was now in a price range compatible with my budget. It has been seven weeks since I started wearing my hearing aids. I could not be happier! It took no time for me to acclimate to them, whether at home, in large groups or talking on the cell phone. They are very inconspicuous. Should have listened to my children sooner!”

– M. Meyer, Traverse City

“Wow! I tried hearing aids for the first time the other day and what a difference they made. So much so that I wanted to share that experience with others and encourage those that are struggling with hearing to consider the same. I walked out of the doctor’s office and heard sounds long forgotten.

Over the last few years, my hearing has gradually diminished but I didn’t want to admit it. It was so gradual that I hardly noticed, until recently, when at a social function I was at a loss for what was being said. Background noises all but made conversations impossible. I finally had to admit to myself that I needed help (not an easy thing for us vain humans).

I told my wife I thought I needed hearing aids. Of course, she always knew I did but was kind enough to indulge my situation until I was ready. I was ready.  I was just missing too much and finding myself withdrawing from social interactions.

So this letter is to the people out there putting off the inevitable for whatever reasons. I cannot tell you what a wonderful surprise it was to hear again! Sounds long forgotten, like birds chirping and crickets at night, came back. Give yourself a chance to connect again. Your family and friends will thank you and you will be amazed!”

– J.M., Omena MI

” My experience with Dr. Hanrahan has literally been a life changing experience.  After 8 years of using barely adequate hearing aids, my patient wife insisted I made an appointment with Dr. Hanrahan.  Family Hearing Care has far exceeded my expectations, by far.  I can now UNDERSTAND conversations, watch TV without disturbing the entire household, and best of all, I can converse with friends in a noisy coffee shop without staring to understand multiple conversations.  I had forgotten what normal life is supposed to sound like.  I am grateful to Dr. Hanrahan for understanding my condition, educating me on how to solve my problem and making the entire process affordable to this retiree.  I highly recommend Dr. Hanrahan and Family Hearing Care.”

– Dan I, Traverse City, MI

Stay in Touch