Audiology Connections - 2022 - 22

AN OPTIMISTIC FUTURE FOR AUDIOLOGISTS
AN OPTIMISTIC FUTURE
FOR AUDIOLOGISTS
Finding Opportunity Among Obstacles in Private Practice
I was excited to see my first patient
The COVID-19 pandemic and
subsequent lockdown were an
unexpected burden for many clinical
practices. Having established a private
audiology practice mere months
before a local state of emergency
was declared, I found myself in a
precarious position. I'm thankful that I
was able to survive and thrive despite
the biggest professional challenge that
most audiologists will (hopefully) ever
encounter.
at my new clinic. In the corner of the
exam room sat computer equipment
in boxes and a large television
monitor in bubble wrap, but I was
able to help someone using my
knowledge, my experience, and my
own two hands. I remember thinking
how good it felt to help someone
directly, one-on-one, in a practice
that I owned. Then, fast-forward a
few months: The crisis crashed down
all at once-stay-at-home orders,
daycare closures, mask
mandates, cleaning supply
shortages, unemployment
on an unprecedented
scale, sickness, and
deaths among people
with whom I had just
spoken a week earlier.
I recall the flurry of
emails from business
partners pointedly
shifting focus during
the first blows of
the pandemic.
Everyone-from
Internet companies
to hearing aid
manufacturers
to local financial
institutions-was
eager to
host
sessions on how to keep a business
afloat during the storm. Each vendor
had their own unique perspective
on business practices as well
as a corresponding service or
tool. Thankfully, the number one tool
that I credit for my success has always
been with me and can never be
replaced: kindness.
Kindness to my patients. Kindness
within my community. It takes no
effort. As the phone calls began to
trickle in and the schedule began to
fill, I noticed a common theme: My
patients were more aware than
ever about the uncertainty of their
future. My being kind and listening
to their concerns helped them feel
validated. Strong relationships grew
because they knew I cared.
Working for myself is the best move
I've ever made. Not only do I have the
work-life balance I've always wanted,
but I also have the best doctor-patient
relationships of my career. Many of
the new methods and ideals adopted
during the COVID-19 pandemic will
become permanent fixtures in various
professions. What remains constant in
audiology is that patients seek trusting
relationships with providers capable of
meeting their needs. Obstacles can be
opportunities if we know how to look at
them, and patients can be like family if
we know how to listen.
Monica Allgauer, AuD,
CCC-A, is the owner of
Rocket Hearing & Balance
in La Plata, Maryland.
Audiology Connections - 2022

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