Mike Maslin
Audiology (MSc) graduate
I originally studied for a BSc degree in Neuroscience. As part of my degree, I learnt about the auditory system and found it really interesting. When investigating possible careers, I was drawn to audiological science, as this gave me an opportunity to combine my research interests with a role that offered direct patient contact.
I am now a fully qualified Audiological Scientist. During my training I was given a wide caseload. This has involved working with children only a few weeks old through to the more elderly; dealing with hearing impairments through to balance disorders. I like that I experience new challenges every day and that there are wide areas of interest: diagnosing hearing and balance disorders as well as managing rehabilitation and counselling patients and their carers. I like that audiology is a relatively small profession and that there are good networks of clinicians and researchers in audiology.
I became interested in objective measures of hearing function (i.e. using equipment to measure hearing) and this led me to enrol on a PhD at The University of Manchester, funded by the Medical Research Council. I will be using computer-based equipment to monitor the way in which the brain compensates for loss of hearing. As part of my research I get to work with research volunteers, so I maintain the patient contact I enjoy.
Long-term, I feel there will be benefits in having both clinical and research qualifications and I hope to ultimately find a role that combines clinical work, teaching and research.
