My Career: ‘I genuinely love what I do’

Name: Sarah Sheehan

Age: 41

Lives: Cork

Job title: Chief Audiologist at Hidden Hearing

Salary bracket: €45,000 – €75,000

Education background: BSc (Hons) in Engineering and Project Management, Foundation Degree in Hearing Aid Audiology, MSc in Hearing, Balance and Communication.

Hobbies: Walks, cycling, football, basketball – and all things food!

Describe your job in five words: Inspiring, rewarding, endearing, challenging, amazing.

Describe yourself in five words: Learner, achiever, empathetic, analytical, problem-solver.

Personality needed for this kind of work: Patient, kind, determined, analytical – and above all, a great problem-solver.

How long have you been doing this job?

16 years.

How did you get this job?

After finishing school, I completed a degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and later a BSc (Hons) in Project Management. I worked on housing and civil projects for five years until the economic recession hit. That prompted me to reassess my career path.

I had always been interested in audiology, but back then, there wasn’t a clear route into the field in Ireland – it required study in the UK. At 16, I didn’t feel ready to leave home. But years later, with more life experience, I took the leap.

I studied Hearing Aid Audiology at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, and later continued to complete a master’s degree in Hearing, Balance and Communication at UCC.

I spent 11 years working primarily in a private primary care setting, gaining experience in diagnostic audiology practices, therapeutic services such as wax removal and tinnitus care, as well as aural rehabilitation and the provision of hearing instruments. I gained valuable experience with my peers and had the opportunity to work alongside many various manufacturers. Still, I sensed there was more to learn, more to do, and more people to help.

That’s when I turned to Hidden Hearing, an organisation that forms part of the Demant Foundation, and who I already recognised as a leader in hearing care in Ireland.

Since joining this dynamic team, I have surpassed my initial expectations, gaining invaluable insights and skillsets that have shaped my career in ways I never anticipated.

My journey has taken me from clinical practice to my role in our HR Learning and Development (HR L&D) team, where I now focus on fostering education and best practices in ear and hearing healthcare. What makes this transition even more fulfilling is that my work extends beyond my local team here in Ireland; I now have the privilege of contributing to our parent global audiology team too.

Do you need particular qualifications or experience?

Yes. The qualifications vary depending on the area you want to specialise in. Here are some that I am aware of, but there are many more available in the UK too.

Fd Degree, Hearing Aid Audiology: Typically begins with a sponsored foundation degree while working in the field. Many will progress to complete a full degree part-time/full time.

MSc Audiology (UCC): UCC offers an MSc in Audiology (5-year full-time route) and an MSc in Hearing, Balance and Communication (2 years part-time) for those with prior relevant qualifications.

Describe a day at work: My current role is a balance between clinical practice and learning and development within Hidden Hearing’s HR L&D department.

A typical day in the clinic starts with a team meeting to plan ahead and support each other. Appointments vary and can include: Hearing aid fittings and patient support with reviews, tinnitus assessments, diagnostic audiology evaluations, balance and vestibular assessments such as BPPV treatment, vHIT, and VNG tests. (These tests review individuals experiences symptoms of dizziness and/ or vertigo or imbalance). It’s a diverse workload that keeps you engaged and always learning.

How many hours do you work a week?

39-45.

What do you wear to work? Business smart attire.

Is your industry male or female dominated? Evenly balanced - 50/50.

Does this affect you in any particular way?

No, the balance is healthy and supportive.

Is your job stressful?

I’d rate it a 6/10. Working in a team helps manage pressure and keeps stress levels very manageable. Being part of a large team gives me reassurance that I am supported, but more so, the patient can always be supported, there is always someone there to help.

Do you work with others or on your own?

Mostly with others. At times, I work independently on projects, but clinic life brings you together with your patients, their support networks, your colleagues, and at times third-party multidisciplinary peers.

When do you plan to retire?

I’m not sure! Ideally, I’d transition to part-time work around 60 and shift more into education, but I genuinely love what I do.

Best bits of the job:

People - they are your greatest teachers. Every day is different and rewarding. It’s a fascinating field that keeps you grounded.

Worst bits of the job:

While there aren’t many downsides to this field, it’s important to acknowledge that challenges will arise as you work toward your goals in a clinical setting. However, each challenge presents an opportunity to grow. Some of the most valuable lessons in your career will come from navigating obstacles. Embrace them, keep learning, and always push forward!

Advice to those who want this job:

If you’re passionate about helping people and love science and technology, audiology can be a truly fulfilling path. Be patient, keep learning, and embrace the challenges; they often lead to the most meaningful moments.

Any other comments:

Audiology is more than just a rewarding, thought-provoking, and an enjoyable career, it’s a profession filled with purpose and endless possibilities. It offers a diverse range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Hearing loss is currently the third leading cause of years lived with disability globally. We need more passionate individuals in our field; professionals who are committed to raising awareness, building hearing health literacy, and developing the skills necessary to address these challenges head-on.

Hopefully, then we can achieve a world where ear and hearing health care can form part of the routine agenda!