Audiology Isn’t Just Ears: Building a More Holistic Clinician with Advanced Audiologist Christina Mithra

In this episode of the Psychoaudiology Podcast, I am joined by Christina Mithra – clinical lead at Communitas Clinics, advanced audiologist at Barts Hospital in London, and audiologist of nearly 20 years.Christina shares her journey from a “1 + 1 = 2” science-focused graduate to a clinician who sees patients as whole humans rather than just test results. Together, we explore what it really means to “do audiology well” and what today’s curriculum is missing if we want to train truly holistic audiologists.We discuss:Why audiology education needs more than audiology: pharmacology, neuroanatomy, psychology, acoustics, electronicsThe difference between getting the test right and making a patient’s life betterHow a broader understanding of the body (e.g. ototoxic drugs, menopause, vagus-related cough reflex) changes clinical thinkingCore skills every audiologist should build: communication with sensory-impaired patients, patience, critical thinking, and the courage to ask for second opinionsThe value of curiosity, interdisciplinary dialogue, and checking what ENT or other specialists actually did with your referralsChristina closes with a powerful reminder: hearing care is never just about ears – it’s about connection, quality of life, and seeing beyond the audiogram.Want to find out more about Christina's work? Get in touch with her at: [email protected]