Meet our Hearing Care Professional Zahra Tokhmeh Farosh
1. How long have you been a Hearing Care Professional?
I’ve been working as an HCP since May 2021 but I’ve been with Connect Hearing before that as I did my student practicum with Connect as well.
2. Why did you decide to become a Hearing Care Professional?
I really liked Health Science programs at school. When I was at George Brown College, I came across the hearing instruments specialist program. I did a bit of research on it and I was interested because it seemed to have a little bit of everything – healthcare, technology, care for people. So I picked the program, and as I was studying I realized how much I loved it and fully committed to pursuing a career in hearing healthcare. I already had a bachelor’s degree in science from back in Iran so I wanted to pursue something in health science and this one really stood out to me. It had everything I was looking for.
3. What inspired you to move to Toronto from Iran?
I had some family in Toronto and I was wanting to experience something different and challenge myself. When I got to Toronto I had a plan to achieve my goals and I was able to do that! Now, whenever I face a new challenge in my life I think back to how I overcame the challenge of moving to a brand new country which helps give me confidence.
4. What attracted you to Connect Hearing?
There are a lot of Connect Hearing clinics in Toronto which I would see all the time. That really was something that attracted me to Connect Hearing - just how many clinic locations we have and the amount of opportunity that is available. It’s not limited and gave me the opportunity to move around geographically.
5. What is your favourite part of your job now?
Counseling clients and understanding their hearing needs. Helping them understand their hearing situation and how I can help them with their hearing aids. When I help them, they’re always really thankful and that’s a good feeling. Plus, I’ve always had great teammates at all the clinics I’ve worked at which makes it even more enjoyable!
6. Is there an experience you’ve had with a client that has stood out to you?
One experience that sticks out happened when I was working at one of the Victoria Westshore clinic. There was a client that had severe to profound hearing loss and she had had hearing aids before but they were not really helping her. Together we decided to go ahead with getting here a newer technology level and when she came back for her follow-up appointment she said that they changed her life. She was so happy that she could hear her grandchildren’s voices. That was really sweet to hear.
7. What are common misconceptions about hearing aids you find people have?
There is still a stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids. I’ll hear people say that they don’t want to look old or that they’ve always heard that hearing aids don’t work well but that’s really not the case anymore. Hearing technology has improved tremendously. It doesn’t make you look old and I encourage them to give it a try. It helps a lot, both socially and individually.
8. What’s the coolest thing about hearing aids?
Other than helping with hearing, what I like is the new ones have Bluetooth so they can connect to your phone, and you can listen to music right through the hearing aid. Most clients find that pretty cool. No need for AirPods!
9. What’s it been like working at the World of Hearing clinic in North Vancouver?
When I first heard of the World of Hearing concept, I thought it was so cool. When clients come in they can get involved with everything - they can touch the hearing aids, they can put them in, they can try them in the Experience room and simulate different listening environments. I find my clients really appreciate that. So I’ve really enjoyed it so far.
10. Ok some questions just for fun – What’s something people might not know about you?
I came from Iran to Canada all by myself and then moved across the country again and I’m still only in my twenties!
11. What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
I want to visit more towns in BC! Also kayaking. I’ve done whale watching and I liked that! Also seeing my friends. I lot of my friends are in Toronto so getting the opportunity to spend time with them.