BAA President features in two publications

BAA President, Sam Lear, features in two Audiology publications this month.

First up is her interview with Gareth Smith for ENT & Audiology News, where they talk about Sam’s audiology qualifications, work focus and BAA Board commitment. Having recently completed the Higher Specialist Scientific Training (HSST), Sam joined the AHCS Higher Specialist Scientist register and can use the DClinSci post-nominals. She highlights that completing this work has boosted her confidence in her knowledge and abilities, which, combined with her passion for doing the right thing, led her to standing and committing to the last two years as BAA President.

Sam’s two year term as President has featured some of the most challenging months in UK Audiology, particularly for paediatric audiologists. Coming off the back of a life-changing pandemic, the profession has also had to work through the well documented additional challenges. Sam, and hundreds of you, her colleagues, have been working hard to improve audiology services for the paediatric population. Thousands of hours have been spent reviewing, challenging, discussing and ultimately improving services for all. We’re not yet at the end, but progress is rapid.

Juggling life as a Senior Policy Advisor for NDCS, Lead Clinical Scientist Hearing Services at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, and BAA President feature strongly in the article. With imminent BAA Board elections, Sam encourages others to stand for election. Bring your knowledge and passion for audiology to the BAA Board and ultimately the profession.

Read the full interview here: ENT & Audiology News Interview

Then we have a joint interview in which BAA Vice President Claire Benton joins the current BAA President to speak with Peter Wix, Chief Editor of Audiology News UK. Peter was keen to meet with the BAA following the release of the Board Position Statement: BAA Position Statement on NHS Adult Hearing Loss Management

Sam and Claire make a passionate plea for people to not write off the NHS. With quality, patient-safety and governance schemes already in place; a dedicated, well-trained workforce; and services working differently to bring down waiting lists and reach wider parts of their community, the NHS is best-placed to continue providing free at the point of access hearing care for all.

Read more of what they had to say here: Audiology News UK Itv Sept 24