SGH Listen and Talk Programme is 20 this year! Since we started in 2001, our team of ENT doctors, Audiologists and Auditory-Verbal Therapists in the Centre for Hearing and Ear Implants have been working closely to provide care for patients with hearing loss. To celebrate our 20th Anniversary and in conjunction with Audiologist/AVT Day on 10th October, we interview some of our Allied Health Professionals. Read the interviews to get to know our AHPs better and learn more about the work that they do at our Centre.

Mandy Phua, Senior Principal Auditory-Verbal Therapist

1. Describe your work as an audiologist/AVT.
   My job is to teach and guide parents to teach their children with hearing loss to listen and talk.


2. Why did you decide to be an audiologist/AVT?
   As an AVT, I am able to apply what I have learnt in my undergraduate and postgraduate training. It was also my desire to be in a vocation that helps and serves others, using my skills and knowledge.


3. What do you like most about your job?
   I like that I get to meet different people, hear their stories, and journey along with them for a short time in their lives.


4. What was your most interesting encounter at work?
   In my first year, as an inexperienced therapist, a 5 year-old girl was upset that she lost at a game and deliberately tried to throw up to register her displeasure. Amongst the lessons I learnt that day were (1) Expect the unexpected in therapy (2) A fast reflex means there is less to clean up later (3) A calm repose soothes both adults and children.


5. What is something that people don’t know about audiologists/AVTs?
   AVTs do not use sign language in their work although they work with people with hearing loss.


6. What is your purpose at work?
   To learn, to serve and to educate.


7. What are you passionate about?
   That deaf children can learn to listen and talk.