Sarah Riches is best known in the field of Audiology for her dedication in inspiring others to develop and maintain their clinical excellence. For nearly 30 years she has bridged the gap between clinical practice and academic instruction and taught 1000’s of trainee and qualified Audiology professionals. Her dual roles as an Audiologist and clinical lecturer reflect a deep-seated passion for both the science of hearing and the art of teaching.
The Journey of Expertise
Sarah’s journey into Audiology began after a BSc (Hons) in Applied Science. A period of Secondary School teacher training was followed by several qualifications in Further and Higher Education teaching. With a passion for anatomy and physiology she was fascinated by the intricate workings of the human ear and psycho-acoustics. Once registered as an Audiologist, she honed her diagnostic and rehabilitation skills by working with adults and children in the NHS, and used her expertise in Education to work as a BAA course tutor for many years at Birmingham School of Audiology. Later she moved to Aston University for 15 years to teach students from across the commercial, private and public Audiology sectors.
Empowering Clients, Inspiring Learners
As an Audiologist and as an individual with single-sided hearing loss and tinnitus herself, Sarah’s primary focus is on improving the quality of life for those with hearing loss, using client-centred care to guide them through the journey of diagnosis, and rehabilitation with empathy and precision. She says “Preserving and improving hearing ability is essential due to its direct impact on communication. Staying connected with family and friends and feeling part of the outside world is vital to our mental health.”
Simultaneously, as a qualified Senior Teaching Fellow (SFHEA), Sarah shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with qualified or aspiring Audiologists and Hearing Care Assistants, nurturing the next generation of hearing care professionals with her passion for teaching and mentorship. Through engaging lectures, hands-on workshops, and real-world case studies, she imparts invaluable insights and practical skills to her students, preparing them to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving field of Audiology with confidence and competence.
“The most satisfying part of my job is empowering learners to overcome their fears, to trust their capacity for development and to enjoy the process of expanding their knowledge and skills”.
Innovation and Collaboration
Sarah Riches an advocate for innovation and collaboration in the realm of hearing healthcare and education. Through her involvement in professional organisations, and interdisciplinary partnerships, she helps to push the boundaries of knowledge and practice, driving forward advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment modalities, and assistive technologies.
The Legacy of Excellence
As Sarah Riches continues to make her mark in the field of Audiology and Education via her role in The Audiology Academy, her legacy of excellence inspires all those who have the privilege of learning from her or being cared for by her. Students often approach Sarah years after she has taught them to reminisce about her unique methods for making challenging topics fun to learn.
If you would like to meet more of our team, please go to ‘Meet the Team‘.