“I work as a paediatric audiologist at York and Malton hospitals.  I have worked for the Trust for nearly 20 years, starting as a support worker on the nursing bank then a health care assistant.  With a BTEC in health and social care under my belt I wasn't quite sure of my direction.  I was fortunate to become a healthcare assistant in the ENT clinic which where my interest in audiology started.  The staff were friendly and very knowledgeable and, if you were keen to learn, someone was always ready to teach you.

“I was exceptionally lucky to be given a place to do a BTEC audiology qualification.  So that was it - I was now studying to be an audiologist.  I had a two year old child and was about to return to work full time and become a student again.  I studied over the next two years spending time in the department where ‘me and my shadow’ became a common joke with one of the senior audiologists as I sought to gain more insight into audiology.

“I love the way that no day is the same in audiology, everyone is an individual and will manage hearing loss in very different ways. People will open up to you about how their difficulty affects their work, their relationship and sometimes the isolation that they may feel, with what sometimes seems to be an invisible problem to the rest of the world.  The idea that I am helping people with their difficulties is a very privileged role.

“It’s very rewarding to break down boundaries when adults or children are reluctant to try a hearing aid, or unwilling to cooperate with a hearing test. I now work more with children and enjoy all that working with two year olds brings.  Some days children don’t want to wear shoes or sit in the pram, never mind cooperate with a hearing test!

“I'm now starting to see children who I've looked after with their own children and I’m guiding them through audiology.  Working with children who have additional needs is very rewarding.  Sometimes when things have worked well for the individual it can be quite fantastic or simply a 'high five,' ‘thanks Stace’, or a huge bear hug!

“The NHS is often viewed from other countries as a fabulous resource, and although we can be stretched for time and resources, it can be stressful, and it’s hard work, I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.  It keeps changing to keep up with the demands, but the one thing that remains constant is the goodwill of the staff.”