Afua Andam BSc Healthcare Science (Audiology)
Third year student
Southampton is a good university for Audiology, with lecturers who are experts in their field. Some have undertaken research in various aspects of audiology and also clinical experience.
Brief summary of your time at Southampton?
My time at Southampton has been interesting, challenging and engaging. I have had lots of opportunities to join many societies, meet a wide range of people and learn from different cultures. Although university has been challenging, I have become more independent by moving away from home and have been able to manage and balance my social and academic life as well as my finances.
Why did you choose to come to Southampton?
Southampton is a good university for Audiology, with lecturers who are experts in their field. Some have undertaken research in various aspects of audiology and also clinical experience. After visiting the university, it was also good to know that at Southampton I would be studying and using the facilities in the Institute of Sound and Vibration Research (ISVR), for example the skills lab for audiology students is fitted with equipment such as caloric machines and audiometric booths. The university also offers a wide range of societies to learn new skills and makes friends. There is a broad range of societies including Christian Union, sustainable social enterprise to learn business skills, Audiology society and cake decorating.
What have you enjoyed most about your course?
I have enjoyed all the practical sessions, being able to perform diagnostic procedures, for example pure tone audiometry, and vestibular tests on other audiology students in our own clinical environment “skills lab” using high tech equipment.
Have you undertaken a project as part of your course?
Yes, I completed a project.
What was your favourite part?
Working together in a group with my housemates. We were able to utilise everyone’s strengths to recruit participants to carry out our proposed experimental methods. The poster presentation of our project, where we were all able to present our project to lecturers, was rewarding.
What are your lecturers and tutors like? Have you found them supportive?
Lecturers and personal tutors are certainly knowledgeable, approachable and helpful. They are quick to reply to not just my emails but the queries and challenges of the class. They try their best to find a solution.
How did you find your placement and what are you doing?
I worked in the audiology department at Charing Cross shadowing senior audiologists as a student audiologist. I worked in a team with Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) doctors, Audiologists, ENT nurses and Hearing therapists. My placement was very insightful. Under supervision from my placement mentors, I was able to perform diagnostic assessments on patients e.g. Audiometry, tympanometry. I assisted in patient care, speaking with those with hearing difficulties and providing them with information of possible management techniques (for example providing hearing aids to help in difficult situations or contacting other professionals, such social services or specialist doctors who may be able to help). I was able to assist hearing assessments with paediatrics and observe vestibular assessments on patients with vestibular disorders, for example Meniere’s.
How have your studies on your course prepared you for your placement?
I have been able to learn the theory and importance of the hearing assessments we carry out on patients. I've also learned about the technical aspects and physics behind programming and fitting hearing aids to patients. Knowing the theory has been important, especially caring for the patient and understanding the results from their audiological assessments.
What have you learnt and how have you benefitted from the experience so far?
I have learnt and am continuing to improve my communication skills when managing and counselling complex patients. I have benefitted from the constant feedback from my supervisors; this has boosted my confidence. I have been learning from the feedback to improve how I may carry out tests, programme hearing aids, managing and communicating with patients and colleagues.
Why did you choose to do your summer placement at this company?
I previously had 2 weeks placement observing the audiologists at Charing Cross and enjoyed it. The staff were supportive and encouraging. They aim to facilitate my learning whilst working with them. I was glad to have been allocated this centre again for my long term placement.
What are your career plans after you’ve completed your course?
I would like to carry on studying after my Bachelor's degree either apply for the Scientific Training Programme (STP) or a masters in Audiology and then apply for a job.
How do you think your course will help you in your future career?
This course teaches you to become a qualified audiologist and all the theory and procedures I have learnt will be utilised in my career as an audiologist.
If you could give prospective students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Be proactive with your work, do not be afraid to ask your lecturers and peers for helps. Try to balance your academic life with societies and enjoy every moment of it.