05/05/2026
May is Better Speech and Hearing Month!
Madison, our Audiology Assistant, will be attending UNC's Doctor of Audiology program this fall. She shared 10 things she learned from working at Now Hear This that she will take with her through her graduate program!
1. Patients Come First: The most important thing I have learned as an Audiology Assistant is that patient care is the heart of audiology. NHT has taught me to equally value each person who walks in the door and to treat each issue, concern, or question with the respect the patient deserves.
2. Never Leave Patients with Unanswered Questions: Taking the time to explain procedures, results, or next steps thoroughly ensures patients leave feeling informed and confident. Clarity is a form of care, and even as I go into more fast-paced environments, I never want my patients to leave with more questions than they came in with.
3. The Importance of Best Practices: Real Ear Measurements (REM) aren’t just a protocol. Seeing the difference that proper testing and verification can make for a patient’s outcome reinforced that I will never cut corners as it is not only unethical, but ineffective.
4. Tricks of the Trade: Classrooms can’t teach everything. Two years of hands-on experience at NHT gave me a significant advantage, exposing me to complex issues I might not have encountered for years otherwise.
5. The Joy of Small Wins: Celebrating small victories, even with something as simple as a patient being able to insert their hearing aids by themselves for the first time, can be incredibly rewarding. Seeing the joy these small moments create reminds me why I chose this field and keeps me motivated to push through difficult days.
6. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: NHT’s team showed me how collaboration elevates patient care. Every person on this amazing team has taught me so much over the years, and I am forever grateful for each and every one of them. Their compassion and care are unmatched, and I hope to carry forward the same level of thoughtfulness and dedication in any team I join in the future.
7. The Power of Empathy: Empathy is not just about being kind but about understanding the emotional weight of hearing loss. Putting myself in each patient's shoes ensures they feel heard, valued, and supported through their journey.
8. Patience, Patience, Patience: Rushing a patient can hinder their progress. I have learned that taking a little extra time to thoroughly walk a patient through something makes a huge difference, even when it comes to something as simple as changing a wax filter. I always encourage people to practice step-by-step in the clinic, take pictures and videos, and practice again! Just a few extra minutes go a long way in building confidence.
9. Continuous Learning: Audiology is always evolving and staying adaptable is key. Whether it’s new technology, research, or techniques, approaching every day with an open mind ensures I’m always growing and improving.
10. What My Future May Look Like: When I got my bachelor's degree, I was adamant that I would end up working in pediatrics. However, working with adults over the past two years has shown me the depth and reward of serving this population. Audiology is full of surprises, and I am excited to explore all it has to offer, and I am forever grateful to NHT for giving me a taste of everything this field has in store for me.
