My First Year As An Audiologist

As I entered my new office on my first day of my Clinical Fellowship Year, a flurry of thoughts and emotions were running through my head. Did I know everything I needed to know? Would my supervisor think I was up to par on my skills and knowledge? Would patients like and trust me, or think I was too young to know how to help them? I was excited yet apprehensive, and I wanted to do well.

Upon graduation from my Masters program, I felt that I had a good base of knowledge, information, and skills. I knew the basics of my profession. I was confident in my ability to work with patients, test hearing, and fit hearing aids. By the end of my first week of "the real world", I had made an essential discovery: much of our profession cannot be taught in the classroom. So many facets of the job cannot be learned until one has hands on experience, and is dealing with patients one on one without a school supervisor to turn to for the quick, easy answers. I was seeing my own patients; therefore, any mistakes would be mine and mine alone. This can be frightening at times, but should be looked at as a challenge to overcome, instead of an obstacle to skirt around.

There are many firsts that one experiences as a new audiologist: The first time a patient cries because he can hear the birds singing through his new hearing aids. The first time you have to tell a mother that her child cannot hear. The first time you don't know how to program an unfamiliar product and have to call the manufacturer or your supervisor. The first time a patient brings you a plate of homemade cookies she baked especially for you. The first time a patient is less than pleased with her test results and your hearing aid recommendations. Some firsts are more difficult than others. All are situations from which we can learn, whether it be a situation well-handled, or, more frequently, how the situation could be better handled next time it arises.

That first year could not be completed without some key people: our experienced, helpful supervisors who take us under their wings and share their knowledge with us. Who else would we turn to for our questions about fitting and programming hearing aids for those challenging cases? Who else would we call for advice about how best to deal with difficult patients? It's not always easy to admit that you don't have all the answers, but I soon learned that no supervisor would ever think less of you for asking questions. In fact, it is quite the opposite: your supervisor will be pleased that you are taking into account what is in the patient's best interest. During our first week together, my supervisor said to me, "You can learn something from every single patient who walks through that door". That idea has stuck with me throughout the year, because I believe in its truth.

A year later, there is still a lot to learn—but I have obtained a great amount of information and experience. I am more confident in my abilities, thanks to my supervisors and their guidance, and my patients with their never-ending challenging problems and situations. I may not have all the answers yet, and being an audiologist is not always easy, but of this I am certain: few other professions are as rewarding as ours. Working closely with patients and colleagues to help people with their hearing problems is gratifying and purposeful. Our patients are appreciative of our knowledge and assistance. Each day I am more convinced that I have chosen a fulfilling, lifelong career.

About Newport Audiology Centers:

Newport Audiology Centers, established in 1970, is one of the nation's leading providers of audiological and hearing-aid services. We strive to provide these services at the highest level, through our educated and efficient staff, superior products, informative community service programs, and excellent customer service.

For more information, visit our web site at www.newaud.com.