Conference Programme

Adrian Davis Lecture: Revolutionising Audiological Care Through Innovation in Clinical Tools and Treatment Strategies

Dr Brent Edwards, Director, National Acoustic Laboratories, Australia

Biography
Brent Edwards Ph.D. is the Director of the National Acoustic Laboratories, an Australian Federal Government centre for research on hearing loss, where he leads research and innovation initiatives that focus on transforming hearing healthcare. For over 20 years he headed research and technology at major hearing aid companies (GN ReSound, Starkey) and at Silicon Valley startups that developed innovative technologies and clinical tools used worldwide. Dr. Edwards founded and ran the Starkey Hearing Research Center in Berkeley, California that was a leading site for research in hearing impairment and cognition. Dr. Edwards is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, a Fellow and current President of the International Collegium of Research Audiology, an Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University and at the University of Queensland. 

Keynote Lecture: The ACHIEVE Trial in Perspective: What do audiologists need to know?

Dr Theresa Chisholm, Professor of Audiology & Vice Provost, University of South Florida

Abstract
The independent association of age-related hearing loss with cognitive decline highlights a need to understand the potential influences of hearing intervention (HI) on cognition. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) randomized controlled trial (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03243422; NIH funded R01AG055426), was designed to determine the efficacy of best-practices HI versus a successful aging (SA) education control intervention on the 3-year trajectory of cognitive decline in older adults. 977 participants (70-84 y/o) with mild-moderate hearing loss and normal cognitive function were recruited: (a) from the cardiovascular health (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities [ARIC]) observational study; or (b) de novo from the community. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no difference as a function of intervention in the 3-year change in global cognitive decline. However, in a prespecified sensitivity analysis stratified by recruitment source, HI reduced 3-year cognitive change in the ARIC cohort by 48% compared to the SA control. While there was no difference as a function of intervention for the de novo cohort, they had fewer risk factors for and a slower rate of cognitive decline than the ARIC cohort. Additional analyses demonstrated HI improved communicative function, reduced cortical thinning, and positively impacted social health and well-being. Implications for audiological practice are discussed. 

Biography
Dr. Theresa H. Chisolm is a Professor of Audiology in the Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders at the University of South Florida (USF) where she began in 1988 as an Assistant Professor. Dr. Chisolm specializes in rehabilitative audiology and is a licensed and certified audiologist, with over 40 years of clinical and research experience. Previous research examined the efficacy of a computer-based auditory training program for use post-hearing aid fitting, approaches to auditory rehabilitation for veterans with mild traumatic brain injury, and the outcomes of open-fit hearing aids. Her role in the ACHIEVE trial, as a co-investigator and USF site PI, spanned from initial conceptualization to development of the development of the manualized best-practices hearing intervention to implementation and fidelity monitoring with her co-PI colleagues at USF’s Audiology Rehabilitation Clinical Trial’s laboratory (ARCT), Drs. Victoria Sanchez and Michelle Arnold. Dr. Chisolm and the ARCT laboratory members are continuing their work on data analysis, interpretation and dissemination of the original ACHIEVE trial data and participating in several ongoing follow-up studies. In addition to her teaching, research and clinical work, Dr. Chisolm is currently serving in an administrative role as the Vice Provost for Strategic Planning, Performance & Accountability at USF. 

Keynote Lecture: Managing the social and emotional wellbeing impacts of hearing loss: Interventions and approaches that can be implemented to augment current clinical practise

Dr Bec Bennett, Senior Research Audiologist, National Acoustic Laboratories, Australia

Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been an increased focus on the social and emotional well-being impacts of hearing loss. This presentation will highlight recent research in this area, helping delegates understand the profound effects hearing loss can have on individuals, including insights from the client perspective. We will discuss the current limitations within audiology practice in addressing these needs and explore various global approaches that audiologists use to better support the social and emotional well-being of their clients. 

A key focus will be on the AIMER program, designed to enhance clinicians’ knowledge, skills, opportunities and motivation to support their clients’ well-being more effectively. Delegates will have access to specific resources developed for the AIMER program, which they can apply in their clinical practice. 

We will also touch on how the five-step plan can be used to integrate social and emotional well-being support into existing audiological services. Finally, we’ll provide a sneak peek at a new educational health behaviour change mobile application being developed by the National Acoustics Laboratories. This app is designed to help new hearing aid users manage the social and emotional challenges associated with hearing loss.  

Biography
Dr Bec Bennett is a Senior Research Audiologist at the National Acoustic Laboratories. Her research focuses on adult audiological rehabilitation, the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss, and eHealth service delivery. She recently led a research program co-developing a multifaceted behaviour change intervention to improve how hearing healthcare clinicians provide social and emotional support within the audiology context. She currently leads a program of work developing a digital self-management tool to address the social and emotional impacts of hearing loss. Bec is a 2022-27 NHMRC Investigator Fellow and a Director of the Board, Audiology Australia. 

Keynote Lecture: Deaf awareness – are our services really accessible (title tbc)

Dr Sam Lear, Senior Audiology Policy Advisor at NDCS & Crystal Rolfe, Director of Strategy at RNID

Abstract
“There are known gaps in audiologists’ understanding of different perspectives of deafness, and there is ample evidence that not all audiology services are truly accessible and respectful of the deaf person.

We also know that the language used around deafness can inherently negative and limiting, or sometimes simply dismissive.  In particular,  we know that language used at the time of diagnosis of deaf children and afterwards can be quite upsetting and damaging and have long term negative consequences for families and the deaf person themselves.

This session aims to increase audiologists’ awareness of different perspectives of deafness and the impact of the language they use, and encourage improvements in accessibility to services, and a more positive mindset towards deafness”.

Biographies

John Bamford Lecture: A new era in the treatment of genetic hearing loss-genomic therapies

Professor Manohar Bance, Professor of Otology and Skull Base Surgery

Occupational stress in UK Audiologists

Mr Ryan Phillips, Clinical Scientist, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board

Abstract
Occupational stress is known to have detrimental effects on health care professionals worldwide. This study aimed to address a research gap by investigating sources and levels of occupational stress in UK audiologists. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design and convenience sampling were utilised. The study used the Audiologist Occupational Stress Questionnaire and an audiological working practices questionnaire The research included 100 registered UK audiologists and revealed that over a third of participants reported experiencing moderate or higher levels of occupational stress. Paediatric audiologists and those with a high daily patient load reported significantly higher stress scores than other specialties and those seeing fewer patients per day. Identified sources of stress for UK audiologists included clinical demands and time constraints, staffing issues, leadership in the workplace, and equipment availability. Reported impacts of stress encompassed mental health issues, fatigue, social life disruptions, and physical health concerns. The findings provided insights into the sources and levels of occupational stress experienced by UK audiologists, supporting existing research in other countries. The identification of consistent stress themes across the literature underscores the need for targeted support and interventions to ensure the well-being of audiologists and to empower them in maintaining their pivotal role in health care. 

Biography
Ryan Phillips is a Trainee Clinical Scientist in the North Wales Audiology Service, part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. Ryan has an academic background in psychology and prior to beginning his career in healthcare he was an Air Traffic Controller in the Royal Air Force. Working in such a highly stressful environment is what sparked his initial interests in stress research. He has a keen interest in research and innovation, all areas of audiology and the psychosocial impacts of hearing loss and related disorders. He has recently celebrated his first scientific publication, “Occupational Stress in UK Audiologists” which was published in the American Journal of Audiology in July 2024.  

Looking after your own wellbeing – putting evidence into practice

Ms Beth-Anne Mancktelow, Audiology Head of Service, Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital

Abstract
Wellbeing’ has been taken to mean almost anything. In this talk, we will explore the evidence-base for wellbeing at work and, most importantly, how you can apply this to yourself and to your teams.  You can expect to hear about the levels of evidence and a reminder of how to critique the literature in this area; NICE guidelines and their relevance to the NHS workplace; the NHS People Promise and why this may be important for you, and the local leaders programmes delivered by NHS England. We will explore the principles of wellbeing and help you to apply these into every day working life. 

Biography
Beth-Anne is the Head of Service for Audiology at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Prior to this, she held a role looking after staff wellbeing at the same Trust, and prior to that was the tinnitus lead at St George’s Hospital in London.  Beth-Anne is particularly interested in evidence-based approaches as they apply to both the clinical and non-clinical aspects of her role. 

Dementia and Hearing Loss

Professor Tom Dening, Professor of Dementia Research, Honorary Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, University of Nottingham

Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that HL from middle age is an important potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia. There are various possible mechanisms; e.g. effects of increased cognitive load and sensory deprivation upon brain function and structure, or possible common causes like vascular disease. There may also be spurious associations from overdiagnosis of cognitive impairment among people with HL or vice versa (presumption that people with cognitive impairment are hearing-impaired). Thus, stating that HL causes dementia may be not wholly justified.  

Can hearing interventions can prevent dementia? Most studies find lower rates of dementia in people with HL who wear hearing aids (HAs) versus those who do not. However, most studies are observational, so there may be other differences between HA users and non-users. The only large trial had mixed results, so the evidence is currently inconclusive.  

The risk factor and prevention agenda has dominated recent dementia and HL research, but nonetheless many people will develop either or both conditions. Therefore, clinical aspects such as detection of cognitive impairment in audiology and hearing loss in memory assessment remain important, along with support and care of people with both conditions. Care home residents are likely to have both dementia and HL, and therefore more research about good practice in this area is needed.  

This presentation ends by considering the development of a research agenda for dementia and hearing loss research, to put forward the most pressing questions for future attention.  

Biography
Tom Dening is Professor of Dementia Research, University of Nottingham; and Honorary Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.  

Tom was appointed to his current post in 2012. His interests include a wide range of clinical topics and psychosocial aspects of dementia, and his main current research collaboration is around dementia and hearing conditions. He is one of the editors of the Oxford Textbook of Old Age Psychiatry, the leading international work in this field, 4th edition due in 2025. He is chair of the trustees of Trent Dementia Welcome – Trent Dementia – Helping people live well with dementia. 

The Full Monty: stripping hearing back to health

Dr David Maidment, Senior Lecturer in Psychology & Lead Academic Tutor for Psychology, Loughborough University

Abstract
Hearing loss in adults is associated with poorer health outcomes, such as depression, social isolation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia, as well as negative health behaviours, including physical inactivity and malnutrition. Health behaviours have mostly been investigated as potential risk factors for the development of hearing loss and other chronic conditions, with little evidence on how positive health behaviours can be promoted in the population. Emerging evidence for an association between hearing loss and health concerns has resulted in a growing number of calls for researchers and healthcare professionals to consider the connection and balance between all aspects of an individual’s health, rather than focusing on individual health conditions in isolation. This presentation will outline how an integrative approach to health could be adopted by hearing healthcare professionals. It will be argued that audiology appointments may be a particularly effective time for clinicians to approach conversations about the adoption of positive health behaviours in adults with hearing loss. Such an approach aligns with the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative, which aims to enable the delivery of consistent and concise health and wellbeing information to encourage individuals to engage in conversations about their health more generally.

Biography
David is currently a Senior Lecturer in Psychology within the School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences at Loughborough University. His research interests focus on interventions that aim to improve physical health and psychological wellbeing in adults with long-term conditions and disabilities, including hearing loss. David studied within the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, graduating in 2008 with a BSc in Applied Psychology. David then went on to complete an MSc (2009) and PhD (2013) at Cardiff. His PhD, funded by the Economic & Social Research Council, explored how different modes of speech interact in verbal short-term memory. David then went on to work as a Research Associate (2012-15) at the MRC Institute of Hearing Research, and a Research Fellow (2015-18) within the Hearing Loss theme at the NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre. In this latter post, David was involved in the development and evaluation of digital interventions for hearing loss, underpinned by contemporary models of health behaviour change

Differential patterns of auditory evoked potentials characterise tinnitus and hyperacusis

Dr William Sedley, Clinical Research Fellow and Consultant Neurologist, Newcastle University

Abstract
Whilst tinnitus is defined by hearing sound with no external source, it is likely that this ‘phantom’ sound has its origins in the same mechanisms involved in the processing of external sounds. Tinnitus is also typically associated with hearing loss (its main risk factor) and hyperacusis (as least to a modest but significant degree). As well as these three interrelated factors, tinnitus often causes distress and alterations in attentional state (which itself affect sound processing). A final consideration is distinguishing changes in auditory processing due to the current presence of tinnitus itself from those facilitating its onset, maintaining its persistence, or mediated by the associated level of distress or altered attention. 

Here, I present some of the substantial past and ongoing work by our and other groups to understand the multifaceted relationships between tinnitus and cortical evoked responses to sounds in humans. This will cover 40 Hz steady state responses (ASSR) as a marker of early primary cortical processing, N1-P2 (and its intensity dependence) as an indicator of later primary-nonprimary auditory cortex interactions (and serotonergic function), mismatch negativity (MMN) as a marker of pattern or prediction violation, and P300 as a marker of conscious reactions. 

Biography
I am a medical graduate, combining clinical practice in neurology with research in clinical and basic neuroscience. 

I graduated from Nottingham University in 2007, and have been working as a doctor and conducting research in Newcastle ever since, completing my PhD in 2015, and commencing my first NHS consultant post in 2021. 

My group’s research focuses on high-level perceptual processing mechanisms in the brain, with a particular focus on hearing, and related disorders such as tinnitus and hyperacusis. 

Our research is conducted on human volunteers, with and without clinical conditions, and uses a range of neuroimaging measures including EEG, MEG, fMRI and direct electrode recordings. 

How some sounds get stuck: Key targets for change in misophonia

Jane Gregory, Clinical Psychologist, University of Oxford

The Specialist Microtia & Atresia Clinic MDT

Marsha Jenkins, Principle Clinical Scientist (Audiology), St Thomas’ Hearing Implant Team
Mr Harry Powell, Consultant ENT Surgeon (Otology and Hearing Implants), Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Mr Simon Filson, Consultant Paediatric Plastic Surgeon, Evelina London (St Thomas’
Ms Seema Patel, Clinical Lecturer & Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Clinical Lecturer & Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Kings College London & Guys Hospital

Biographies

Sameera Miah-Moola, MIMPT, is a Clinical Lecturer in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Kings College London and Guys Hospital where she teaches on three international postgraduate programmes, after completing her MSc at Kings in 2017. She recently joined the KCL adacemic team after 6 years of post-qualification clinical pactice at Guys, compromising of the manufacture and delivery of various facial and body prosthetics and leading the representation of prosthetic options at the Specialist Microtia and Atresia Clinic.  

At this years BAA conference, Sameera will be part of a panel sharing insights especially for those directly involved in the referral process for paediatric auricular prosthetics and her latest clinical experiences. 

How is technology changing cochlear implant care?

Professor Helen Cullington, Clinical Scientist (Audiology), University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service

Abstract
Almost all aspects of cochlear implant care can now be done remotely: tuning, rehabilitation and lifelong care. The patient still needs to travel to hospital for the operation, but robotic surgery advances mean a remote surgeon could plan and program the operation, leaving the robot to do it – with on-site supervision. There are apps for patients to manage their care at home, for example adjusting programs, finding a lost processor, testing hearing and speech perception, and checking equipment. Communication technology inclusivity has improved rapidly – with real-time captioning, AI speech enhancement, Bluetooth connectivity, captioning smart glasses etc.  

People with cochlear implants can now do things that people with normal hearing cannot do.  For example, use smartphone translation streamed directly to their implant – communicating in a multilingual environment with no visual sign of translation. They can stream audible map directions to their implant – walking around a new city like a local. AI is integrated into everything cochlear implants do – from predicted mapping levels to speech enhancement in noise.  

Where does this leave the cochlear implant clinician? Are clinicians embracing the new technology, or are they reluctant to change? Are patients happy, and are they receiving the best experience and outcomes? 

Biography
Helen is an audiologist and researcher at the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Service in the United Kingdom, and past Chair of the British Cochlear Implant Group.  She is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Cochlear Implants International. Helen is captivated by cochlear implants and the use of technology to improve people’s lives; much of her research has been focussed on remote care for people with implants.  Helen has worked in cochlear implants for her whole career (more than 30 years) in six cochlear implant centres around the world. 

The role of balance vigilance in chronic dizziness and vestibular disorders 

Dr Toby Ellmers, Sir Henry Wellcome Fellow, Imperial College London

Abstract
Vigilant monitoring of balance has been proposed to underpin various chronic dizziness disorders, including persistent postural–perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and so-called ‘unexplained dizziness’ in older adults. This talk will precent recent experimental and clinical findings that support this proposal. Particular emphasis will be placed on presenting work that illustrates how such balance vigilance can (i) fundamentally alter the way that the brain processes vestibular and balance-related sensory information, (ii) disrupt and distort one’s perceptions about their level of postural (in)stability, and (iii) cause maladaptive changes in balance control strategies. The talk will culminate in the presentation of a new clinical outcome measure designed to assess a patient’s vigilance towards balance: The Balance Vigilance Questionnaire (Balance-VQ). 

Biography
Dr. Toby Ellmers is a Sir Henry Wellcome Trust Fellow within the Centre for Vestibular Neurology (formerly Neuro-Otology Unit) at Imperial College London, under the mentorship of Prof Adolfo Bronstein. His research explores the psychological factors that affect balance, dizziness and vestibular function – with a particular emphasis on developing new methods of clinical assessment and management. The clinical outcome measures that he has developed have been translated into various languages and are currently being used in clinical sites around the world. He is a Co-Lead member of the World Falls Guidelines recommending body. In 2023, he was awarded the Promising Scientist Award from the International Society for Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR) for his work investigating how fear of falling affects fall-risk. 

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness

David Herdman, Clinical Academic Research Fellow, University College London & St George’s Hospital

Abstract
Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a common and disabling condition characterised by persistent feelings of dizziness and unsteadiness. Dr. David Herdman will discuss what we currently understand about this disorder, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria and treatment options. Dr Herdman will discuss why traditional vestibular rehabilitation may not always work for this population, and what we can learn from more cognitive-behavioural approaches to rehabilitation. 

Biography
Dr David Herdman is the lead physiotherapist for the Neurology and Vestibular Physiotherapy Department at St George’s Hospital, London. He completed his PhD in Health Psychology from King’s College London and has recently started a post-doctoral Advanced Clinical Academic Fellowship from the NIHR, based at University College London (UCL) Queens Square. He has been Chair of the physiotherapy special interest group in vestibular rehabilitation (ACPIVR) and is the co-director of the UK vestibular rehabilitation competency accreditation. His current research interests include developing treatments for chronic dizziness/PPPD (the INVEST trial) and implementing evidence-based recommendations in emergency medicine to improve management of acute vertigo. 

Unilateral deafness in children – evidence, challenges and experiences.

Dr Hannah Cooper, Lecturer in Audiology & Clinical Scientist (Audiology), UCL Ear Institute and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Abstract
Unilateral deafness (UD) in children poses a challenge to parents and professionals. There are uncertainties about the impact of UD on a child’s development as well as a lack of clarity about the impact, either positive or negative, of interventions. Current guidance for management of children with UD is limited both in the UK and internationally. This translates to uncertainty for parents and professionals around management.

In this presentation we will explore the issues around UD  and report on our body of research in this area. Firstly, the findings from a systematic review to evaluate whether hearing aids improve hearing/listening outcomes in children with permanent unilateral hearing loss will be presented. Secondly, we will report on the outcomes of a survey of paediatric audiologist practice for unilateral deafness in the UK and compare to a review of international practice. Finally, we will present the findings of a qualitative project to understand parent experiences of diagnosis and management of mild and unilateral deafness and develop information resources for families of children age 0-4 years. 

Biography
Hannah Cooper is a lecturer in audiology at the UCL Ear Institute and a paediatric audiologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. 

Using audit to give confidence in the provision of paediatric audiology

Mrs Catherine Magee, Enhanced Paediatric Audiologist, Northern Care Alliance NHS Group

Abstract
The BAA quality standards for paediatric audiology provide us with an aspiration of excellent quality for us to work towards as paediatric audiologists.  At first glance it’s very easy to think, yes we do that, that’s not an issue for us, we don’t do that fully but we meet most of what is outlined so that’ll do. However, have you checked that what you think happens is actually being delivered in clinical practice?  When a hearing loss is identified and a decision to fit amplification is made, are 95% of children offered an appointment to fit the hearing aids within four weeks for permanent hearing loss? What about temporary losses? (Standard 1A6) Have you checked recently?    

In this presentation, I will share how we at the Northern Care Alliance, used the paediatric quality standards to benchmark what we thought we delivered and then used vertical and horizontal audits mapped to the standards, to check exactly what was being delivered.  The results highlighted some good practice but also areas for improvement and good learning opportunities.  I will also touch on how you can use audit to look back through a cohort of data to show if ABR results marry the behavioural and PTA results, highlighting potential learning needs within the paediatric team.     

Biography
I have been an NHS audiologist for 21 years, working in routine, complex, and highly complex testing, paediatric hearing aids and ABR assessments, albeit not all simultaneously.  Interspersed with this, I spent 12 years managing a team of newborn hearing screeners, which provided me with valuable leadership experience.  I am currently an enhanced paediatric audiologist at the Northern Care Alliance responsible for delivery of an audiology-led aetiology pathway.  I am also a development and evaluation manager within the screening sub directorate of NHS England, working at a national level to oversee NHSP and other newborn screening programmes.  I am passionate about making the journey for the child and family through screening, diagnosis and intervention as good as it can possibly be, to enable the children we identify to have the life opportunities they rightfully deserve. 

Starting from zero – A first steps in a quality management toolkit

Mr Craign Tilt, Audiology Project Facilitator, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Mrs Jenny Richardson, Chief Audiologist, United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust

Abstracts
Craig –

Jenny – After much discussion amongst the team, we have been puzzled and petered by how to tackle audits and all things quality management following the Lothian investigations and subsequent Paed QS work. 

I was put in contact with Craig who very kindly shared some of the tools that he has been developing and asked to test them out and to offer some feedback. 

My presentation is our experience of the struggles we have had on our quality improvement journey, using the tools that Craig has developed and how they have impacted out quality monitoring work as we are moving forwards to a position where we can consider IQIPs accreditation. 

Biography
Craig Tilt has a background in process development and implementation. Working within Audiology at NUH since 2021, he has supported the development of the department’s quality management systems and retention of IQIPs accreditation through multiple assessments. 

He doesn’t like piña coladas but does enjoy being caught in the rain. 

Jenny is a Chief Audiologist at United Lincolnshire Hospitals.  I begun my Audiology career with ULHT as a student and have worked hard to make it to the dizzying heights of Chief Audiologist. 

I am the Head of Adult and Diagnostic Audiology for the department. I specialise in Vestibular testing and work hard to support the diagnostic testing for NHSP at our two main hospital sites.  I can occasionally be found in theatre using my diagnostic skills to test complex patients and will happily get stuck in with the day-to-day Audiology when it is needed.   

As well as my clinical case load, I am responsible for the operational management of our Boston site where I have line manager responsibilities for a number of staff.  I am also the department’s Patient Experience Champion. 

I am working towards my STPe and I am eager to support others on their journey into Audiology.  I have worked with the BAA’s Regional Groups and with the Pub’s and Com’s Teams and I am passionate about raising the profile of Clinical Sciences and Audiology through education and training

Growing and maintaining the workforce. Feedback from placements and opportunities for development (how to make trainees happy and want to stay)!

Dr Ruth Vickerstaff. BAA Education Committee Member and Chair of the BAA Work-based Learning Sub Group

Abstract
Good quality work-based learning enables individuals to become the well-rounded professionals with the right skills and knowledge to provide safe and compassionate care of the highest quality. The aim was to understand the experience of Audiology students and create a set of recommendations that departments could implement. 

Current students or recent graduates across pre-degree, degree, and post-graduate entry programmes in England, Wales and Scotland were interviewed about their experience. Northern Irish students were included but did not respond to invitations.  

Students reported positive experiences when there was team psychological safety within the department, they had good relationships with their supervisor, and had a range of different opportunities. Students felt they would benefit from having training sessions with longer appointment times to allow them to work at a slower pace and to hear feedback in a timely manner. 

Every student that had a good experience wanted to continue working in that department, those with a bad experience wanted to leave. Having a supportive culture is essential to delivering good quality education, and subsequent positive impact on the clinical skills of the student and therefore patient care and experience. 

This presentation will share the findings from this study.

Biography
Ruth is presenting on behalf of the Work-based learning sub-group of the Education committee of BAA. The work-based learning group focuses on learning conducted in the work-place on any programme of study, e.g. apprenticeships, Practitioner Training Programme and Scientist Training Programme. The group takes a holistic approach to supporting services to deliver work-based learning, ranging from gathering feedback from students about their experiences of work-based learning to lists of questions you can ask a potential apprentice training provider. The group aims to deliver work that can be used directly by services. The membership consists of Audiologists (currently only NHS services, but welcome to non-NHS too), education providers, and manufacturer. If you are interested in joining this group please contact admin@baaudiology.org. 

How to change the culture of your team – Leadership, change management, influencing

Laura Turton, Audiology Head of Service, NHS Tayside

Abstract
For the last 3 years Laura has been leading her team to successfully pass IQIPS in Scotland. Through this process the importance of shifting the culture of a team to succeed in change management has been highlighted as the key to success. The talk will cover: 

• What culture is and how it affects the workplace
• Getting a grip on what your current culture is 
• How to move from “we have always done things this way” to creating a culture which reflects your team’s vision 
• The fear of change 
• Change management in tough times 
• Who can influence change and disrupt it  
• Practical ways to influence  

Biography
Laura has worked in NHS Audiology for over 20 years. She is currently Head of Audiology in NHS Tayside having relocated to Scotland 3 years ago. Her areas of special interest are providing a quality service and evidencing this, change management, writing practice guidance, and person-centred care.  Clinically she sees people with hyperacusis, tinnitus and severe and profound hearing loss and enjoys all aspects of adult hearing rehabilitation.  

In 2023 Laura was elected as a board member for BAA and has led the Professional Development committee for the last year.