Student Testimonial - Sindy

Name: Sindy
Program: Hearing Instrument Specialist
Year of graduation: 2025

Why did you choose Humber Polytechnic? and/or this program?

Attending Humber has been an exceptional and transformative experience. There were several key factors that influenced my decision. I received strong recommendations from former students, who spoke highly of Humber’s supportive environment and the approachability of its Health Sciences and Wellness faculty. I was also impressed by the user-friendly academic system and the reputation for having knowledgeable and dedicated professors.

Importantly, Humber offered the Hearing Instrument Specialist program, which aligned perfectly with my career aspirations. I have always been passionate about pursuing a career in healthcare and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. My fascination with the anatomy and function of the auditory system and hearing aids further inspired me to enter the hearing healthcare field, allowing me to combine my interests with my desire to help those in need.

In addition, the convenient location of North campus, just a ten-minute drive from my home, provided me with the advantage of minimizing commute time and maximizing my study hours.

For these reasons, choosing Humber was an ideal decision that has set a strong foundation for both my academic and professional development.

How did the faculty help you on your road to reaching your goals?

The Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness at Humber Polytechnic played a pivotal role in helping me achieve my academic and professional goals. I commend the faculty for their unwavering dedication to student success. Throughout my studies, all of my professors and laboratory assistants demonstrated exceptional patience in answering my questions, helping me to better understand complex concepts, and providing hands-on assistance during laboratory activities.

Their guidance and mentorship not only deepened my understanding of key subject matter but also inspired me to strive for excellence. The faculty consistently emphasized the importance of both technical skills and compassionate patient care, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

I am especially grateful for the prompt and supportive communication from every member of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness. Whenever I reached out with questions or concerns, I received timely and thorough responses, which helped me stay on track with my studies and feel confident in my progress.

Great thanks to the Faculty of Health Sciences & Wellness for their continuous support and encouragement. Their commitment to student success has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey and equipping me with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to reach my goals and make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.

What was your experience like at Humber? or within your program? Think about the faculty, the labs, student life.

My experience at Humber was highly positive. The program was exceptionally well structured and organized, with professors who demonstrated strong organizational skills and a clear commitment to student success. Throughout the program, there were numerous opportunities for hands-on experience with various equipment in the laboratory, which I found extremely useful for developing my technical skills and preparing for practical assessments, placements, and real-world practice. These laboratory sessions also provided meaningful opportunities for collaboration and bonding with my classmates, fostering a supportive and cohesive learning environment where we all grew together.

In addition to academics, Humber offers a vibrant student life with a variety of activities and entertainment, which my friends and I enjoyed participating in from time to time. I also took part in multiple Interprofessional Education (IPE) Student Learning Activities and earned certificates for each, further enhancing my professional development.

Did you have a Work-Integrated Learning experience? (otherwise known as a field placement, an internship, a practicum). What was your biggest take-away from that?

During my studies, I engaged in multiple practical assessments and completed two placements, one in Humber on-campus clinic and another in an external clinical environment. My biggest takeaway from these learning experiences is that effective communication, clear organization, and trust-building are just as important as technical skills. These experiences taught me that providing high-quality, patient-centered care requires not only clinical competence but also empathy, patience, and the ability to adapt my approach to each individual’s needs.

How has the program set you on your career path?

The Hearing Instrument Specialist program has been instrumental in shaping my career path by providing both the foundational knowledge and technical skills necessary to succeed in the hearing healthcare field. Through a blend of classroom sessions and hands-on clinical experience, I gained a deep understanding of auditory system anatomy, hearing loss assessment, and the latest hearing aid technologies.

The program emphasized not only technical proficiency but also the importance of patient-centered care. Working directly with clients during my practicum allowed me to develop strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to tailor my recommendations to each individual’s needs. This real-world experience gave me the confidence to interact with patients and address their concerns effectively.

In addition, the program’s focus on current hearing industry standards and ethical practices prepared me to navigate the professional landscape with integrity and competence. The mentorship and guidance from experienced professors inspired me to pursue continuous learning and stay updated with advancements in hearing healthcare, specifically hearing aid advancements.

Overall, the Hearing Instrument Specialist program has laid a solid foundation for my career, equipping me with the expertise, confidence, and passion to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those with hearing challenges. It has clarified my professional goals and set me firmly on the path to becoming a dedicated and compassionate Hearing Instrument Specialist.

Think back to first semester, what advice would you give to your first-semester self?

I would advise my earlier self to prioritize academic responsibilities more diligently and consider dedicating additional time to studying, even if it meant occasionally adjusting my sleep schedule. Striking a balance between rest and focused study time is essential for academic success, and a greater emphasis on effective time management would have further enhanced my learning experience. However, I recognized this early on and made significant improvements starting in my second semester, with continuous progress throughout each subsequent semester.

Do you have any suggestions for someone considering this field?

It is important to research and identify the province in which you intend to work after graduation, as requirements for newly graduated professionals may vary across provinces. In addition, I advise developing strong communication skills, particularly the ability to speak slowly and clearly, as you will be working closely with individuals with hearing challenges.