Dennis A. Trantum, audiologist and owner, grew up in Philadelphia and earned his undergraduate degree and master's degree from Western Michigan University. He is currently working on his doctorate through the Arizona School of Medicine. The AuD (Doctor of Audiology) is the new standard in audiology. The "senior" member of the group, he has been practicing since 1976 and opened Battle Creek Hearing Services in 1987 with the help of his wife, Beth. "I've watched this industry change over the past 30 years. With the advent of digital sound processing and open-fittings, it has been pure pleasure to watch our patients love their hearing aids - something that I rarely saw before the 'digital revolution'." Dennis takes his time with each patient and does everything with great care. His kindness and patience are the qualities most appreciated by his many clients.

Paja Le Dickenson, a nationally certified and licensed audiologist, graduated from Western Michigan University with both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's of Audiology. She has worked in the audiology field since 1997 and has been with Battle Creek Hearing Services since 2002. Paja is very committed to her patients and strives for complete satisfaction with their hearing aids. She and her husband love nature and are huge NASCAR fans. When not working, they enjoy spending time with their beloved dogs.

Beth Trantum, co-owner with her husband, has been an integral part of daily operations from the beginning. She can help you with your hearing aid, assist with all aspects of your insurance, and keep the accountant happy with her bookkeeping. When Beth arrives each morning, she bakes a batch of her special scones to serve to our patients. She and Dennis are grandparents to Joseph which keeps Beth busy shopping, knitting, and crocheting. Beth is a dedicated, life-long learner and has been studying Spanish for several years. Her many interests are reflected in the excellent collection of journals and magazines for you to browse in the waiting room. Dennis and Beth are most proud of their two sons, Tony (Tenerife, Spain) and John (Montpelier, VT).

Sharon Zapata, is our customer service/insurance specialist. She brought her 25 years of experience to Battle Creek Hearing Services when she joined us in 1999. Sharon is the friendly face that greets you at the front desk and the cheerful voice that responds to your phone calls. Sharon is happy to assist walk-in patients. She and her husband, Pete, have two grown daughters. She served as a longtime volunteer and former director of the local Special Olympics. She likes to cook and entertain for her family and friends.

Cathy Hirzel, is a former teacher and joined Battle Creek Hearing Services as a part-time employee in 2002. She is the transcriptionist and keeps our computer records up to date. Cathy notifies patients of their hearing aid warranty expiration, reminds them when it's time for reevaluations, and sends out other correspondence. Cathy and her attorney husband, Patrick, have two grown sons, Kevin and Tim, who are following in their father's footsteps. She enjoys volunteering, traveling, and genealogy.