(Jill Field, left of image)
The general public need to be able to understand hearing loss and be able to communicate effectively with any of the 11 million hard-of-hearing people currently in the UK.
I have worked in Audiology since leaving school in 1978 after seeing a job advert in the local paper for a Student Audiology Technician – it ticked all my boxes academically. Back then, it was very much a ‘Cinderella’ service, that no-one had heard of!
Each patient that walks through the door is generally an unknown quantity. Some are challenging, others straightforward. The pleasure in my role is finding out about the individual and being able help them be able to hear once more. That role can only be achieved with the combined work of a good team. I have met some great characters over the last 39 years, particularly the elderly, who often have some fascinating stories to tell!
My hearing is also tested too…
Another part of my job is to lead and supervise our students. What is more important than the education and training of new audiologists to carry on a very essential service? Bright new ideas are essential, as are potential leaders for the future. Not only are people living longer; modern technology is becoming more readily available for people to address their hearing loss at a younger age. This means that Audiology, and the role of an Audiologist, will always be a very necessary profession.
Teaching, training and educating, doesn’t stop with our students. The general public need to be able to understand hearing loss and be able to communicate effectively with any of the 11 million hard-of-hearing people currently in the UK. This can be a role for an audiologist/hearing therapist or any of the allied agencies we work with.
Quite simply, this is something I love doing.
Jill Field
Senior Audiologist
Jill is writing as part of the #WeCare2 campaign that will be running across our Trust communications. Look out for more from Audiology, and their AHP and HCS colleagues, on our social media pages, Trust screensavers, Daily Email, Vital Signs and much more.