Show me where it Hz

A documentary of a 4th year audiology student and her woes.

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WHEN I MISTAKENLY SKIP A STEP IN THE PROTOCOL

credit: Chaparro

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me first day of college: just had a discussion on a book i didn't read

[whatshouldwecallaudiology]

WHEN I MASK AN ASYMMETRICAL MIXED HEARING LOSS WITH NO MISTAKES:

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WHAT I WANT TO DO WHEN THE HEARING AID SOFTWARE ISN'T WORKING

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WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE YOUR CRYING PATIENT:

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Basically me.

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Anytime manufacturers hand out free dummy hearing aids

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When a supervisor “double checks” my pure tones and gets the same thing

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TALKING ABOUT MARKET PENETRATION IN PRIVATE PRACTICE CLASS:

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When a patient says “I raise my hand when I hear something?” after telling them 7 times

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Doing CPA with a noncompliant child

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HOW I FEEL DURING MY COMMITTEE MEETING

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Starting my 4th year externship

3 hour later

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Audiology Externship

After my first month of audiology externship in a hospital where we do mostly CAEs and Hearing aids, and a load of ‘refer to ENT,’ I’ve learned a very important lesson:

THE REAL WORLD IS NOT  THE UNIVERSITY CLINIC!

1. What are reflexes even- just refer for MRI if you have an asymmetry…just ignore any ipsi or contras. It’s all about the other symptoms (tinnitus, asymmetry in speech scores.)

2. We never even show the patient his or her audiogram- go right to the counseling! I love it. We just get to the explanation- ‘this is what your hearing loss actually means- this is how it’s affecting your life…’

3. Hearing aids are MAD marked up. The cost is obviously about supporting the R&D of the companies, but still the price difference is just shocking.

4. Good relationships are THE ONE MOST IMPORTANT THING OF ALL TIME. With your coworkers, your supervising audiologist, your front desk staff, and of course- your patients.

5. If I hear one more patient ask for a remote to turn off his/her spouse… I’ll of course smile and chuckle every time.

                                What’s your experience been like? Let me know!

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You know what’s funny? Teachers who are proud of the fact no one passes their class. Why are they so smug that so many kids fail???? A classroom’s grades reflect on a teachers ability to teach??? You??? Suck at your job?????

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Hey there, I was wondering why you want to be an audiologist and what the most rewarding parts are about it and the worst parts?

In the simplest terms, I (and many other grad students) want to help others. What can I do to give this patient the greatest quality of life? When I put a hearing aid on a little girl and she hears her mom for the first time, their joy is my joy. 

Worst parts? So. Much. Schooling. Long nights studying. Confusing medical topics that are hard to comprehend. Don’t forget the random mental breakdowns. 

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WHEN I’M GETTING NO SUCCESFUL RESULTS

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Other students trying to chime in on my appointment