Suzanne Tucker, a Hearing Care Assistant at Hidden Hearing in Onchan is celebrating exam success after an intensive and rigorous training programme.

Throughout the six-month course Suzanne attended a dedicated training facility in Derbyshire every week. The programme, which condenses the equivalent of a university degree into this short period, is an intense and challenging experience.

As well as academic, classroom-based sessions, to ensure an in-depth knowledge of the subject, Suzanne also participated in practical, hands-on experience and worked alongside expert Audiologist Elaine Norris, her mentor at the Onchan branch of Hidden Hearing.

The final exams for the qualification highlighted the complexity of this profession, consisting of written papers on Anatomy and Physiology, Acoustics and Hearing, Hearing aid Technology, and Professional Practise/Care and Rehabilitation as well as a full day of practical tests.

Suzanne, who grew up in Laxey, passed with flying colours and is now qualified with an ‘Award in Hearing Care Assistant Competence approved by The British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists’ and registered with the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists and Health and Care Professions Counsel.

Commenting on the qualification, Suzanne said: ‘The course and exams were really hard work, but extremely rewarding and interesting. I feel really proud of this achievement and am now fully prepared to deliver the high standard of excellent service Hidden Hearing customers expect.’

Suzanne joined Hidden Hearing’s branch in Village Walk, in Onchan, in 2013 as a temporary part-time receptionist. In just a short time, Suzanne realised her passion for the job and the satisfaction from helping her clients so accepted a permanent role as Branch Coordinator. Hidden Hearing puts great value on training and development, with a dedicated campus in the UK open to all staff, and encouraged Suzanne to develop her skills and expertise.

Following the exam success Suzanne has been promoted to Hearing Care Assistant and is now responsible for client after care, including fitting, fine-tuning and servicing hearing aids, full audiometry and screening appointments and check-ups.

Suzanne continued: ‘I am enjoying every part of my new role especially seeing how the work I do really makes a difference to new and existing clients. I am really grateful to the company and Elaine for recognising my flare for this profession and giving me the opportunity and support to gain these qualifications.’

Mentor and local expert Audiologist Elaine said: ‘We are delighted with how well Suzanne has done with her exams; she’s shown a really broad and in-depth knowledge of audiology, as well as her skill and flare for the practical side of her new role. The patience and care she shows is fantastic and ensures that our clients are given a first rate service.’