UK's Paula Cook wins Rayovac European Audiologist of the Year

Paula Cook, manager of the Aston Hearing practice in Amersham, Buckinghamshire, UK, heard just a fortnight ago that she had won the UK Audiologist of the Year (AOTY) award. The story that brought Paula the coveted prize was submitted by a patient of Aston Hearing who had moved to Turkey, and whose hearing plight—and that of a neighbour—was not ignored by the Bucks-based audiologist. Paula Cook simply made her holiday plans so that she could treat both ladies. This was the act of dedication that convinced the AOTY judges of Paula's great dedication to her calling.

Eager to help her former client, after a back injury had left her incapacitated and unable to communicate easily with her hearing impaired neighbour Dora, Paula transporting her audiology equipment the more than 2,000 miles/3,200 kilometres to Turkey, fitting the two retirees with Starkey hearing aids from the clinic’s stock to save on cost.

Paula beat finalists from France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland for the coveted title, impressing judges with her dedication to going above and beyond in her patient care.

Accepting her award at an Evening of Excellence and networking event at the EUHA Congress and Exhibition in Nuremberg, Germany, Paula said: “I would just like to say, congratulations to every audiologist that has been nominated for this award, all are incredibly worthy and I feel blessed to have been selected.

“It has been such an overwhelming experience, the congratulations and joy from colleagues, clients, family, friends and acquaintances has completely taken me by surprise.  The highlight though has been the beaming smiles of my children, Ellen and Michael, who are so proud of what we have achieved throughout our journey- it is beyond words," she added. 

Paula was accompanied by both her children at a festive Nuremberg awards ceremony, one warmly presented by Glen Rutherford, Senior Director, global hearing aid batteries for Energizer holdings Inc., and institutionally endorsed by Stefan Zimmer, Secretary General of the European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EHIMA). The winner announcement was made by Zimmer after a short speech in which he stressed the value and dedication of audiologists worldwide. He also presented Paula Cook with her winner's trophy.

“Each year we receive a high number of compelling and heart-warming entries from across Europe. As judges we are looking for the audiologist who really stands out from the crowd in elevating their patient care and approach to an exceptional level. Paula’s efforts in going above and beyond merely expected levels of care in her practice have earned her this award,” said EHIMA's Zimmer.

Paula Brinson-Pyke, Marketing Director at Rayovac, said: “The Audiologist of the Year is an important event in the Rayovac calendar. We are passionate about recognising the outstanding work being done by hearing professionals across Europe, giving their patients the power to hear more. Together with our sponsors, we’re delighted to be announcing Paula Cook as the European Audiologist of the Year for 2019.

For updates on next year’s Audiologist of the Year competition visit www.audiologistoftheyear.eu. Like the Audiologist of the Year on Facebook on www.facebook.com/AudiologistoftheYear or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AOTY_EU.

Source: AWN at EUHA