Employee Spotlight
March 2023
Meet Kristen Knight, Hearing Instrument Specialist!
Audicus strives to provide top-tier hearing aids and services to our customers.
Let’s see who’s working behind the scenes to make that happen.
Today we’re highlighting: Kristen Knight!
“I have had several patients who put the hearing aids in their ears and they light up! It’s so rewarding to be able to witness somebody excited to hear again.”
What initially drew you to Audicus?
Kristen is a graduate of Loyola University Maryland, where she studied Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude, she continued her theoretical and practical training towards becoming a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist.
She kick-started her career at a high-intensity private audiology practice- where she was exposed to many unique cases and solutions for individuals with hearing loss. Working there for five years deepened her passion for providing professional and empathetic patient care. After some time, she discovered Audicus and was drawn to the mission of making quality hearing affordable for everyone, regardless of their financial background. Kristen notes “hearing is a fundamental sense that connects us to the world around us and the people that we love. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and depression. It can affect our relationships, jobs, and overall health and safety. It is therefore so important to me that everyone can have access to quality hearing aids and feel confident in their conversations once again.”
What is your role at Audicus and when did you join the team?
Kristen is a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS). She joined the Audicus team in May of 2022. Her day to day responsibilities mostly focus on working with patients across the country on telehealth video calls. During these sessions, she teaches new patients how to use their hearing aids, and counsels them on what to expect, ensures the devices are properly fit inside the ears, and troubleshoots any difficulties that arise. Additionally, if existing patients are having issues with sound quality, Kristen will connect with the patient to better understand the problem and offer thoughtful solutions. Kristen also helps to program both new hearing aid orders and orders which require fine tuning adjustments. She provides knowledgeable and careful tweaks to address the current complaint. Kristen also can be seen for in-person appointments at the NYC location. There, she completes hearing tests, device fittings, and reprogrammings with the patient present. She can also make earmolds for patients who require a custom-fit solution.
In addition to Kristen’s day-to-day role with patients, she assists with any internal support needed. Kristen steps in during the onboarding process at Audicus by training new hires about hearing loss, monitors messages for internal audiology questions, attends collaborative meetings to provide audiology-focused feedback, and helps test out new products.
What’s one of your favorite memories at Audicus?
Kristen’s favorite memories at Audicus come from a mixture of both patients and peers. “I have had several patients who put the hearing aids in their ears and they light up! It’s so rewarding to be able to witness somebody excited to hear again.” Kristen also loves “when I do a fine-tuning adjustment and the patient responds back saying ‘this is so much better.” Kristen explains: “the path to better hearing is unique and can be an overwhelming journey for some. Sometimes it can take a few tweaks to get the best results. We have to create a comfortable and trusting relationship with the patient to let them know we’re in this together and reaching for the same goal. So when we do attain it, it’s truly a feeling of accomplishment!”
On the other side, Kristen has been enjoying getting to know everyone at Audicus. “The team is so friendly and fun, and we have so many virtual events that help cultivate a happy work environment and stronger connections with colleagues.” She also really enjoys the daily banter on our messaging platform, whether its with individual peers or on group channels where we share funny stories, photos of our pets on the “Pawdicus” Channel, and discuss current events.
How would you best describe the Audicus culture?
Audicus as a whole has a very supportive, warm, and can-do attitude! Kristen enjoys that her peers “are passionate about making a difference, and are willing to help each other to provide the best care to our patients.” The Audicus culture feels very accepting and welcoming to Kristen, and she appreciates everyone’s positive disposition and willingness to collaborate. Unlike her previous jobs, there are multiple departments at Audicus, and Kristen has enjoyed the ability to work with and learn from each of them on various projects.
Any advice for someone wanting to kick-start a career in Audiology?
Kristen encourages folks wanting to start a career in Audiology to “go for it!” She notes “it’s a great career that blends interpersonal connections with technology, and uses technology to improve someone’s life and overall well-being.” She feels very satisfied with and is proud of the work she does.
What are you excited for in 2023?
Audicus has many projects brewing, but Kristen is very excited to see the company begin to provide more in-person services through partnerships with local stores and other businesses or providers. She’s also excited to see Audicus grow as a whole, with more individuals joining the mission-driven team!
Outside of work, what are your favorite things to do?
Outside of work, Kristen loves to spend as much time outside as possible. During the winter months she enjoys skiing, in the summertime she goes kayaking and swimming, and in the fall and spring she ventures into the woods on hikes. She’s also a big music fan and loves to attend concerts of all kinds. After work, Kristen spends her time exercising and reading up on the newest wellness trends. Kristen lives an active lifestyle and loves to catch up with friends whenever possible- whether that’s locally or traveling to visit them in various states. Her most recent trips included Boston and Philadelphia, and she is even making her way to Texas soon.