Audiologist 2008 Winner
Lisa Binns-Smith, from Apperley Bridge, Bradford, was named the first hearing professional to win the 2008 UK award which was voted for by patients the length and breadth of the country.
Audio Infos and Rayovac, the biggest hearing aid battery maker in the world, ran the competition to recognise the excellent services being provided by audiologists and hearing professionals in the UK.
Patients were encouraged to nominate their own audiologist by highlighting the outstanding nature of their work.
The competition attracted entries from all areas of the country. Lisa’s nomination impressed the judges with the high level of service it demonstrated and careful dedication to patient needs.
Paula Brinson-Pyke, marketing manager at Rayovac in the UK, said: "The competition has been a big success and highlighted the excellent work being carried out by audiologists around the country. Audiologists can make a massive difference to the lives of their patients. Audiologist of the Year has illustrated the strong bonds that exist and underlines the importance of good hearing and good hearing care. Congratulations to Lisa on her victory."
Lisa's entry was submitted by Dawn King, who credits Lisa with helping to transform her professional and social life. She was able to find and fit hearing aids that support Dawn in her job as a nurse. The hearing aids were carefully chosen to work in unison with Lisa’s stethoscope.
She said: "It's an honour to have been chosen as there are many excellent hearing professionals working in the UK.
“Helping people with their hearing can be an extremely rewarding job. Knowing that it means so much to your patients and that they’re grateful for your advice is brilliant."
The competition was judged by a panel of hearing experts and professionals including representatives of Rayovac.
The European Audiologist of the Year award was won by Marc Donner of Germany.