An inspirational audiologist from London, has fought off tough competition to scoop the coveted title of UK Audiologist of the Year, after going above and beyond to transform the lives of her hearing patients.
Following a record number of nominations this year, the winner of the UK’s highest audiology accolade has been announced as Jaspreet Bahra, BSc (Hons) Audiology RHAD, who works at Harley Street Hearing in London.
Now in its sixth year, the competition, which is run by the world’s leading hearing aid battery manufacturer, Rayovac, celebrates the exceptional work of audiologists across Europe. An independent judging process, which included a panel of the UK’s industry professionals, took place during the summer months, to whittle down the nominees to determine the UK winner, focusing on the dedication, commitment, knowledge and levels of care demonstrated.
Jaspreet was nominated by 29-year-old solicitor, Warren Stapley, whose inspiring story helped the judging panel make the decision to award her the UK’s top hearing professional. The judges were greatly impressed by Jaspreet’s dedication to her patient’s well-being and commitment to ensuring Warren received state-of-the-art devices that have helped enhance his life in every aspect.
After suffering from hearing loss since he was just six years old, Mr. Stapley explained how since meeting Jaspreet, his confidence has soared, with the new hearing aid devices he has been fitted with, making a real difference to his life. Supported by Jaspreet, Warren has faced up to the challenges of working in a competitive law environment whilst living with severe hearing loss. He was recently elected to the Executive Committee of the Lawyers with Disabilities Division, a division of the Law Society which seeks to widen access to the legal profession by creating a level playing field for talented disabled professionals and he credits a great part of his success to the invaluable support received from Jaspreet.
In his nomination for Ms.Bahra, Warren said: “I have never known, nor even heard of, any audiologist being so committed to a patient that they would arrange appointments for the hours that Jaspreet does, even when it has it meant rearranging their own annual leave. I cannot stress enough, having arranged for my primary care to be under Jaspreet and Harley Street Hearing, the difference this has made to my working and personal life. I firmly believe that Jaspreet is unique amongst her peers, a true professional who deserves to not only be nominated for, but to win this prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to both patient care and her field as a whole.”
Alan Torbet, CEO, BSHAA and a member of the judging panel said: “I am delighted to have been involved in this year’s Audiologist of the Year competition. This year has been a particularly strong year for entries and it truly is heart-warming to see the ways in which hearing professionals really can make such a difference to their patient’s lives. Mr. Stapley’s story shows the level of service he received from his audiologist Ms. Bahra, and it is so inspiring to see that her support has helped him achieve his full potential making such a difference to his life.”
Paula Brinson-Pyke, Marketing Director at Rayovac, said: “Every year, Audiologist of the Year showcases some wonderful examples of professionalism, patience and kindness; it’s about finding people that go above and beyond the call of duty and really make a difference to their patient’s lives. The announcement of the country winners is one of the highlights of the year for Rayovac and after six years, the competition is growing stronger than ever.
“Audiologist of the Year is independently judged so when the announcements are made it’s a great surprise to all the Rayovac team and a particularly exciting one. I’m so proud to be a part of this fantastic award and look forward to discovering who will win the overall prize of Audiologist of the Year, due to be announced at this year’s Evening of Excellence.”
Judging is now underway to find the overall winning audiologist, as the country winners go head to head to become Europe’s top audiologist. The overall winning audiologist will win the prestigious title of Audiologist of the Year and receive a cash prize and they will be presented with their award and prize at the annual Evening of Excellence this October.
For regular updates on this year’s Audiologist of the Year competition, visit www.audiologistoftheyear.eu or find Rayovac on Twitter @HearwithRayovac or HearingwithRayovac on Facebook. You may also learn more about Rayovac on the Rayovac Expo Page on AudiologyOnline.
