HILLS INDEPENDENT HILLS 112 OCTOBER 2024 | Page 20

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Meet Thuvaraka , our new clinical audiologist

with Ear Studio
We are excited to introduce Thuvaraka ( Thuvi ), one of our new additions to our team at Ear Studio in Castle Hill . With a wealth of experience in audiology and a deep passion for improving hearing health , especially among children and Indigenous communities , Thuvaraka is a perfect fit for our clinic ’ s commitment to delivering exceptional care with our Best Practice principles . Professional background Thuvaraka ’ s journey into audiology is both inspiring and diverse . She began her academic career at Sydney University , earning a degree in Health Sciences with a major in Hearing and Speech ( 2003-2006 ). Initially interested in speech pathology , her focus shifted to audiology after completing a module ; it highlighted hearing issues faced by Indigenous communities , particularly children .
To pursue this passion , Thuvaraka completed a Master ’ s in Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne in 2009 . Her career took her across various locations : she started in Perth , working in a hearing aid clinic , then moved to Sydney , where she joined a research project at Sydney University
focused on Indigenous children in Wagga Wagga and Hamilton .
Seeking to broaden her experience , Thuvaraka spent seven years in the UK , working for the NHS in paediatrics , specialising in hearing tests and fitting hearing aids for children with complex needs . Upon returning to Australia , she continued her work at The Children ’ s Hospital in Westmead and later with an ENT specialist . Now , her journey has brought her to Ear Studio in Castle Hill , where she is excited to contribute her expertise to our clinic and community . A personal passion
For Thuvaraka , audiology is more than just a career — it is a calling . One of the most profound experiences in her professional journey was her involvement in a study with Indigenous children . At the time , the media was highlighting the high rates of incarceration among Indigenous people , many of whom were living with undiagnosed hearing loss . These individuals often struggled with behavioural issues and being part of the community due to their inability to hear properly from a young age . This realisation fuelled Thuvaraka ’ s passion for early intervention and community education .
During the study , nearly every child she tested had some degree of hearing loss , often linked to recurrent ear infections . Thuvaraka was instrumental in not only testing these children but also educating
their families on how to prevent ear infections and reduce the risk of hearing loss . The study ’ s ongoing success is a testament to the importance of this work , and Thuvaraka remains deeply committed to advocating for vulnerable people . Joining the team at Ear Studio Since joining Ear Studio , Thuvaraka has found a place where she can truly make a difference . She is impressed by the clinic ’ s commitment to patient care , noting that at Ear Studio , she not only has the time , but is encouraged to give 100 per cent to every client .
Thuvaraka shared her thoughts on the clinic , saying , “ The staff here are so lovely , as soon as clients walk in through the door to the time they walk out of the door , they are
always smiling and that ’ s quite special to be part of , not many clinics can do that and I wanted to be part of that too . To make people happy and make such a difference in their lives means so much to me .”
Thuvaraka looks forward to meeting and helping you on your hearing health journey . She is here to offer her expertise , compassion , and unwavering commitment to improving your quality of life through better hearing .
Call us at today on 02 9159 6122 or email us at reception @ earstudio . com . au .
Conveniently located in Lawton House in Castle Hill with off street parking , Suite 10 / 60 Cecil Ave , Castle Hill . Operating hours are from Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 5pm and Fridays 8:30am – 4pm .
20 ISSUE 112 // OCTOBER 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT