Mayo company wins Audiologist of the Year crown

Peter Maguire of The Hearing Company, Cavendish Labe, Castlebar, has been awarded the national title of Audiologist of the Year 2019, for the Republic of Ireland.

Peter will now compete against other audiologists from France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom for the coveted title of European Audiologist of the Year, which will be announced in October 2019.

Peter’s nomination is a truly international affair, having been penned by Michelle Reilly, who lives in Clapham, London.

Michelle was moved to write the entry on behalf of her mother, a retired nurse with severe hearing loss who lives in Ireland.

In her nomination Michelle praised Mr. Maguire's work.

She stated: “I am delighted to nominate our audiologist for this award based on his steadfast determination to find a transformational hearing solution for my mother, which has not only alleviated her feelings of frustration and isolation but bridged the miles between us by enhancing our ability to communicate regularly and successfully via the telephone and Skype.”

The annual competition is organised by RAYOVAC®, a world-leading hearing aid battery manufacturer*, in partnership with Audio Infos, a leading international hearing publication for the audiology industry, the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA) and the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH).

Now in its 12th year, the competition honours the top hearing professional in each participating country, nominated by their patients, who have received excellent levels of support, service and care from their audiologist.

A panel of judges from organisations connected with the hearing industry from across Europe selected Michelle’s entry on behalf of Peter as this year’s winning nomination from the Republic of Ireland.

Michelle described her mother’s feelings of isolation as source of worry for all the family. 

“Despite using hearing aids, my mother struggled to hear and carry on a conversation. It greatly saddened her that she could not speak with her grandchildren in any depth,” she explained.

Dissatisfied with her hearing aid performance and due for an upgrade, Michelle’s mother sought help from Peter.

He conducted a thorough assessment of her hearing and prescribed a new pair of hearing aids. In order to ensure that his elderly patient was able to get the most from these,

Peter also arranged for her landline telephone, laptop and television to stream directly to her hearing aids so that she can hear comfortably on the telephone, Skype her children and grandchildren abroad and enjoy her favourite television programmes again.

She said: “Throughout the process he provided my mum with unwavering support, seeing her at the last minute, calling out to her home on more than 10 occasions.

"He really understands the importance of hearing to people living alone, where it keeps the brain active and engaged with stimuli to prevent cognitive decline, and is key to preventing loneliness and isolation.

"He genuinely cares about my mum’s needs and has worked tirelessly to find a tailored amplification solution that works for her. He is an ideal role model for junior audiologists.”

The leading audiologists from six countries will now vie for the coveted title of European Audiologist of the Year 2019.

The winner will be announced at an Evening of Excellence and networking event on October 16 which will be held on the RAYOVAC® stand at the EUHA Congress and Exhibition, the world’s largest congress of hearing aid acousticians in Nuremberg, Germany.

Speaking on behalf of the panel, Secretary General for EHIMA, Stefan Zimmer, said: “Picking a winner from so many detailed and heart-warming nominations is never easy.

"What we are looking for is those hearing care professionals who are going above and beyond merely expected levels of care in their practice.

"Peter’s nomination displayed unparalleled patient care, tenacious spirit and concern for his patient and her family made him a clear winner in this regard.”

Paula Brinson-Pyke, marketing director at RAYOVAC®, said: “Together with our sponsors, we’re delighted to be announcing Peter Maguire as the Republic of Ireland’s Audiologist of the Year.

“We receive a high number of outstanding entries each year, showcasing the impressive standards of work that is taking place and this year has been no exception to that.”

“What fantastic news. I am still in shock. It is such a good feeling to be acknowledged for all the hard work.

"This award allows customers to put their faith and their hearing in our hands. Customers are secure in the knowledge that we take the effort to ensure their quality of life is restored.”