Young people get hands-on technology insight into audiology
YOUNG people have had the opportunity to sample what life is like for audiologists and the technology they use at one of the country’s biggest career fairs.
Thousands of 10 to 13-year-olds took part in the hands-on audiology and optometry experience on the Specsavers stand at the Big Bang careers fair at the NEC in Birmingham last month. The fair welcomed tens of thousands of students across the three days.
‘This year, we wanted to offer more clinical and technology insights into what life is life for audiologists in community practices,’ says Specsavers Early Careers Manager for Audiology, Natalie Hawker. ‘The activities prompted conversations about protecting hearing, improving hearing, and the impact that different health conditions can have on our ear health. Many of the students had no idea what audiology was, or that Specsavers offers hearing services.’
She adds that students were curious to see how hearing healthcare and technology meet, and they were excited to talk to the clinicians, who showed them how to perform some of the clinical activities.
'..it was a privilege to talk to so many young people about the opportunities provided through a career in these community services.'
‘We had ear pathology simulators where students could use an otoscope to take a look inside the ears. We could simulate a number of different pathologies and they loved using the micro suction equipment to draw out the artificial ear wax. Again, we had clinicians on hand to guide the young people,’ says Ms Hawker.
She concludes: ‘Becoming an audiologist or optometrist is brilliant and as the only organisation from our sector, it was a privilege to talk to so many young people about the opportunities provided through a career in these community services.’