Did You Know: Audiology Roles in Industry - An Interview with Christa Nickel, Au.D.
Did You Know? Audiologists play an important role in the hearing aid and manufacturing industries providing education, training, and clinician support and supporting R&D and hearing conservation.An Interview with Christa Nickel, Au.D.
Can you describe your role in the hearing aid manufacturing industry?
I currently work as an Education and Training Specialist for a hearing aid manufacturer. This role is primarily focused on providing education and product training to clinicians throughout a designated territory. Education and training can look very different from person to person and clinic to clinic. No two trainings are the same and truth be told, effective training should take individual needs into consideration to meet learners where they are. Previous roles that I’ve had throughout the industry were in research, both for cochlear implants and hearing aids, as well as sales. What led me to where I am today is my love for communicating and teaching! All of these roles have had education and training components throughout them, which made the transition to this role really exciting.
What inspired you to work as an Audiologist in the manufacturing industry?
When I was in graduate school, I had an opportunity for a research internship with a hearing aid manufacturer. That position opened my eyes to how dynamic this field could be and how helping people can come in so many different forms. As I gained more experience, I felt that working for manufacturers allowed me to help people on a larger scale, whether it be through influencing product improvements or how people are using those products every day, my time in industry has allowed me to have a greater reach in helping people hear better.
Are there any misconceptions about your role working with a hearing aid manufacturer?
Yes and no. I think every role has a perception versus reality aspect to it. As for misconceptions, I would say that working remotely, regardless of the industry or work, has its benefits, like flexibility in your schedule, however it doesn’t mean that the work itself is less in any way. In some ways, having easy and close proximity to your work can make it more justifiable to yourself to work outside of typical hours, like during nights, weekends or PTO.
What are some of the challenges that you face working in the manufacturing industry?
I don’t know how specific this is to manufacturing roles per se, but one challenge I feel we’ve faced as Audiologists is decisions that are made above us that directly impact the work we’re doing and how we’re doing it. While change can be for the betterment and necessary at times, it can also be difficult to navigate, especially when you don’t have the time or resources to process it or support it.
Do you have any advice for someone thinking about pursuing a career as an Au.D. with a manufacturer or a student?
My advice is to always be friends with your reps. They have a large network, both inside and outside of their respective companies. As a student, I asked a lot of questions and engaged during presentations, I would get their business cards and follow up with them after meetings. Having someone on the inside who can act as a referral will take your application that much further.
Christa Nickel, Au.D. earned her Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Utah in 2019. She has clinical, research, and industry experience relating both to hearing aids and cochlear implants primarily in adult populations. In her current position with a hearing aid manufacturer, Christa provides education and product training to clinicians.Christa currently lives in Los Angeles, CA with her partner, Ryan, and cat, Sarabi. Outside of Audiology you can find her studying plant medicine, cooking, or dancing.