Meet our healthcare scientists: Laleh Dastan | News

This week is Healthcare Science Week (10-16 March) and we are celebrating Royal Surrey’s healthcare scientists for their huge contribution to patient care.

As part of these celebrations, audiologist and hearing therapist Laleh Dastan lifts the lid on her role.

What is your role?

I am an audiologist and hearing therapist. My role is to intervene in treatment and rehabilitation of hearing loss, tinnitus and balance dysfunction.

How did you train to become an Audiologist?

I studied audiology and hearing therapy at three different universities, finishing with my post graduate degree in Hearing Therapy at Aston University, plus I undertook courses in clinical audiology at UCL and with the professional bodies in the UK. The minimum requirement to be a qualified audiologist is a three-year undergraduate degree. 

What do you do on a day-to-day basis?

The day-to-day role of an audiologist primarily involves the assessment and management of hearing loss, typically with hearing aids. Audiologists can also specialise in paediatric assessment, tinnitus management, and balance assessment and rehabilitation. 

What is the best bit of your job?

I love every part of my job. When I am with patients, I feel there are two professionals in the room. Me as the clinician who knows the condition and my patient who lives with the condition. 

What would surprise people about it?

The number of training years to become a competent audiologist.

What would you say to people thinking about going into this profession?

Audiology is the combination of science and art. 

Why are you proud to do this job?

I am most proud when I see people are able to hear again. It brings an enormous sense of satisfaction to both me as the clinician and to the patient.