International Women’s Day 2018 – Ayan Saleiman
We’re marking International Women’s Day 2018 by putting BSHAA members in the spotlight. You can see all 11 member profiles on the main page HERE
AYAN SALEIMAN
“Observing how audiologists interacted with their patients and made a real difference in their lives showed me that this was the job for me”
What’s your current role in audiology?
Currently, I work as a hearing aid dispenser and have done this for nearly two and a half years. My role includes providing private hearing solutions for customers and working alongside healthcare professionals in optics and pharmacy to deliver a complete customer experience. Very recently, my role has included working with graduates in our region to support them during their first few months.
When did you first know you wanted to be an audiologist?
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if audiology was the career for me until I started my NHS placement a few months in to my first year at university. Observing how audiologists interacted with their patients and made a real difference in their lives showed me that this was the job for me.
What’s the best thing about being an audiologist?
I know this is pretty clichéd but my favourite part is the first time you switch on hearing aids for a patient and they get emotional – it’s really heart-warming!
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
I think that would have to be getting involved with working with the graduates during their probation. It was really fulfilling to be able to share the experiences I had and support them during that intense period. This eventually led to being asked to deliver a talk to all new graduates in the company. I was given the chance to answer the questions I once had when I was in their position.
Any advice for other women who want to become an audiologist?
I’d say do your research but if you want a career which is empowering and allows you to make a positive impact on lives daily, then this really is the career for you.
