Interview with Karissa Bayer

We had several audiology students come along with us on our recent hearing mission and training in Vietnam. One of them was Karissa Bayer from the Long Island AuD Consortium. We caught up with her afterwards for an interview to hear what she had to say about the experience.

Q: What stood out for you at the Vietnam hearing mission?
A: The first woman I fit with hearing aids was so grateful and happy. I will never forget the way she hugged me after she was fit. It was life changing. I also feel so much more confident at performing ear mold impressions.

Q: Was there any particular patient or moment that stuck in your memory?
A: A young girl was being fit with hearing aids and she was accompanied by her grandmother. After she was fit, I took the child's hand and put it on my throat and said 'ba ba ba' and then put it on her throat and she was able to repeat. The grandmother broke down watching this and started crying. It was so touching. I'll never forget it.

Q: How did it feel to be out in the field and work with the people of Vietnam?
A: I absolutely loved it! They were so kind! Can we come back yet?!

Q: How did you get introduced to the Starkey Hearing Foundation?
A: I attended Starkey U a few years ago!

Q: How did this experience impact you?
A: I want to do more mission work! It's such a different feeling than being in the clinic or hospital in New York. I love the feeling.

Q: Anything else you want to share or mention?
A: Just thank you for such a wonderful experience!