Since joining our team a year ago as an Aural Care Practitioner, Nikki Benson is absolutely loving the world of hearing. Mentored by our Senior Audiologist Wendy Davies, Nikki is now training to become a Hearing Care Assistant and hopes eventually to become an Audiologist.  She talks to Gilly, our Practice Manager, about her experience so far.

1. What made you want to do the Hearing Care Assistant (HCA) course?
   I have been focussing on ear heath and performing clinical ear care and wax removal for over a year now.  Although it is very rewarding, I really want to learn more about every aspect of an audiology practice.

   I can see that being able to assist with the hearing aid side of things would help both my ear care clients and my colleagues. I also enjoy learning! So, earlier this year, the practice supported me in applying for a course to extend my skills.  As a result, I am now enrolled with Anglia Ruskin University on a one year ‘Hearing Care Assistant’ course, which includes training in basic hearing tests and fittings.

2. How are you finding combining study with work?
   Study after 20 years, took a bit of getting used to but I think I’ve found a good rhythm now. I have a dedicated day per week for theory and a dedicated day per week for clinical training at our Farnham Common clinic.

3. What have been the most interesting aspects of the course so far?
   I was already relatively familiar with the outer and middle ear, so it has been great to focus more on the inner ear; the nature of sound; and sound perception. It’s fascinating how the simple, common things in life are often very complex when we analyse them. It’s a wonderfully elaborate series of events and mechanisms that translate into our everyday hearing experience!

4. Is your clinical training with Wendy Davies particularly beneficial? What are the key things you have learnt from Wendy?
   Firstly, I would like to thank any of our clients who have generously allowed me to be present at their consultation. Wendy has been so very supportive. I’m really very grateful to be learning from the best – she is knowledgeable, experienced, and eternally curious.

   Last term I learnt all about repairs and Puretone audiometry (basic hearing tests); and this term I am focussing on impression taking and the initial programming of hearing aids.

   January is an exciting month for me as, thanks to Wendy’s contacts in the industry, I will also be visiting some specialist Tinnitus and Balance clinics.

5. Would you like to be an audiologist one day?
   I’m hopeful that, if everything keeps going well, I might be able to complete a second year of study which would qualify me to be a fully-fledged Audiologist. After 20 years working in healthcare as an Occupational Therapist, this would be the beginning of a whole new career!

          I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues at Help in Hearing. You have all supported me in this endeavour and I could not hope for more.