Kingsbridge Hearing Care would like to welcome our new Audiology Coordinator Megan Deely O’Meara to the team. To find out a bit more about Megan we have compiled a fun Q&A.
Give us a brief outline of your career to date?
Before moving to Belfast, I worked in a few different childcare settings mostly working with children with additional needs. I began my career in Belfast working with Inspire wellbeing and then moved to Kingsbridge, starting out on the private booking team and then moving across to One2One in the Hospital.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject was home economics, I loved cooking different meals and understanding the science behind food.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so where did you study and where?
Yes, I studied Children’s studies in NUI Galway.
How did you get into your area of work?
I have always wanted to work with people, but I was never sure of exactly what. I have a family member with a significant hearing loss, and I have always had a keen interest in hearing care and communication. While working in the hospital I would often get speaking to Stephen and Lynsey about audiology and when the vacancy came up, I jumped at it!
Is this what you always wanted to do?
No, growing up I wanted to be a primary school teacher.
What does a typical day entail?
No two days are the same. Usually, I try to have my emails and messages cleared in the morning. I get any referrals that have come through from ENT the day before uploaded and scheduled for Audiometry. Throughout the day I answer calls and emails with enquires and bookings for hearing tests, wax removals and everything in between! If patients have basic hearing aid repairs or servicing, I also carry these out. I am very much still in training and in between patients I spend all my time being mentored by Stephen and Lynsey.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best part of this job is that I am always learning, and no two days are alike. There is great job satisfaction in ensuring patients are seen by an audiologist and meeting them at reviews after being fitted with hearing aids that have improved their quality of life.
The most challenging aspect of the job is technology…need I say anymore?
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Reach out to someone in a similar role and ask for some advice on how to enter the field or see if you can spend a day shadowing.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you like to do?
I would like to be a speech and language or occupational therapist.
What is the one piece of advice you would give yourself on your first day?
Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions you are thinking.
Describe your ideal day off?
A trip to Newcastle for a long walk on the beach, a game of mini golf and a bite to eat.
Pizza or Chinese?
Pizza.
Tipple or teetotal?
Tipple.
Gym or swim?
There is nothing better than a cold sea swim.
Cinema or theatre?
Cinema.
Car or bus?
Car.
Shopping centre or city centre?
City Centre.
Crisps or nuts?
Crisps.
Summer or winter?
Could I be difficult and say Autumn?
If you have a concern or would like to get in touch with Megan to arrange an appointment at Kingsbridge Hearing Care, please contact 028 9066 7030 or by filling out our Online Enquiry Form.