Sign inFirst contact for youth with audiology at Big Bang Fair
Despite the chance for audiology and optometry to entice young early to their sectors, their only representative at this major event for would-be science strivers was Specsavers.
Courtesy of Specsavers
The Big Bang Fair, held at Birmingham’s NEC centre in June, is an annual celebration of the passion of young teens for science and engineering, a buzzing opportunity for all kinds of future achievers to make contact with areas where their talent might match them to rewarding sectors. That audiology is one such sector, and an area desperate to recruit during a severe hiring crisis of, might warrant a concerted effort by industry and professional organisations to be visible for the young at this event.
But no…only the optometry and audiology retail giant Specsavers set up stall for the Big Bang, as it did in 2023. Over three days, tens of thousands of 10-to-13-year-olds could at least walk by the hands-on opportunities to become more familiar with the two medical areas the group covers. And many engaged.
Otoscopes and microsuction equipment in the hands of curious teens
“This year, we wanted to offer more clinical and technology insights into what life is like for audiologists in community practices,” said Specsavers Early Careers Manager for Audiology, Natalie Hawker. “The activities prompted conversations about protecting hearing, improving hearing, and the impact that different health conditions can have on our ear health. Many of the students had no idea what audiology was, or that Specsavers offers hearing services.”
Courtesy of Specsavers
Ms. Hawker explained that students were curious to see how hearing healthcare and technology meet, and they were excited to talk to the clinicians, who showed them how to perform some of the clinical activities.
“We had ear pathology simulators where students could use an otoscope to take a look inside the ears. We could simulate a number of different pathologies and they loved using the microsuction equipment to draw out the artificial ear wax. Again, we had clinicians on hand to guide the young people,” said the Specsavers leader.
“Becoming an audiologist or optometrist is brilliant and as the only organisation from our sector, it was a privilege to talk to so many young people about the opportunities provided through a career in these community services.”
