New President of the BAA: Claire Benton - British Academy of Audiology |British Academy of Audiology

Claire Benton is the new President of the British Academy of Audiology, with her term commencing during the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Claire is a registered Clinical Scientist and Hearing Aid Dispenser with nearly 30 years’ experience working in the NHS. She began her career in Audiology, completing her MSc at ISVR and the CAC in Leeds. Following a brief time in Norwich, she worked in Nottingham until September this year. Claire started working in both the Children’s Hearing Assessment Centre and the Paediatric Cochlear Implant Centre. She became the Clinical Lead for Paediatric Audiology for around eleven years, before becoming Head of Service in 2016. She left the position of Head of Audiology and Consultant Clinical Scientist (Audiology) at Ropewalk House, Nottingham in September 2024 to set up in private practice. She is still involved in NHS work as an expert advisor to some regions.

Throughout her career, Claire has been involved in working with the professional body, starting on the CAC and then HTS committee for BAAS, then BAA. Claire joined the Board of BAA in 2014, looking after the Regional groups initially, before becoming the Board Director for Conference. After a brief break, Claire was part of the team that won the bid to host the World Congress of Audiology in Edinburgh in 2028, and was co-opted back onto Board to lead on this. She was voted Vice President in 2023 following the retirement of Barbara Gregg, and now progresses into the President role.

Commenting on her new role, Benton said, “I’m delighted to step into the role of President of the British Academy of Audiology. Our field has faced considerable challenges in recent years, and I anticipate more ahead. However, the BAA remains committed to supporting our members and the broader profession as we strive to deliver the highest quality care for those who rely on our expertise in hearing and balance.”

The BAA Board would like to thank Dr Sam Lear for her dedication and commitment to the Presidency over the last two years. We now look forward to embracing her expertise, knowledge and support in the Immediate Past President role.