Making soundwaves in the hearing health field
By Angelica Largo, Marketing and Communications
When Eric Lipschultz was studying jazz in university, he never imagined it would lead to a career in the hearing health field.
Growing up, Eric loved how music brought people together, first picking up the bass guitar at the age of 12. By the time he reached his teen years, he fell in love with the upright bass and decided to pursue Jazz Studies at Capilano University.
For years, Eric immersed himself in the local music scene, gigging around town while searching for a more stable career path. After a series of odd jobs and an eight-year stint as a driving instructor, Eric found himself yearning for a change – a career that would blend his existing skills with his innate desire to help others.
Discovering a new career path
Happenstance led Eric to the hearing health field. When a family member mentioned a job opening for a big-box retailer’s audiology department, Eric was drawn to the idea of working in a field dedicated to changing the lives of others. After doing some research, he was motivated by the demand for hearing instrument practitioners and the stability that a career in the hearing health field could offer.
When he discovered the Hearing Aid Sciences Diploma at Douglas, the decision was easy. “The hands-on experience offered in state-of-the-art facilities set the program apart. Douglas provides students with invaluable practical skills from day one,” he says.
Drawing on his background in music, Eric found connections between sound theory and the world of hearing health care, further solidifying his choice.
Recognizing his strengths
While Eric’s past aspirations may seem unrelated to his career as a hearing care professional, his diverse experiences have equipped him with a unique set of skills that he now applies in his current work.
As a musician, Eric honed his ability to listen attentively and recognize subtle nuances in sound and rhythm, skills that serve him well in conducting hearing tests and fine-tuning hearing aids for his patients. Meanwhile, his years spent as a driving instructor instilled in him patience, adaptability and quick thinking, which are traits essential in his interactions with clients.
By drawing on his varied experiences, Eric brings a holistic approach to his practice, seamlessly blending technical expertise with empathy and understanding.
“If you’re feeling lost in your career, remember that your past experiences hold valuable skills that can lead you to success in other fields,” he says. “It’s all about recognizing the strengths you already possess and using them to make a difference in the lives of others.”
From student to professional
Immediately after graduating from Douglas, Eric was able to land a job as a Hearing Care Professional at Amplifon, the world’s largest hearing aid retailer.
“I transitioned from student to professional with ease. Douglas equipped me with the skills and confidence needed to start a fulfilling career in in the hearing health field” he says.
But Eric’s connection to Douglas doesn’t end with graduation. He remains an active member of the alumni community, returning for industry days and mentoring practicum students at Amplifon. “Being a Douglas alum means more than just a diploma; it signifies pride, confidence and a solid foundation for both my career and life,” he says.
Eric wears many hats: he’s a father, husband, musician and hearing health professional. While his journey to finding his career wasn’t linear, he says that he wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.
“Helping individuals transition from struggling with hearing loss to embracing the world around them is immensely fulfilling,” he says.
Interested in the Hearing Aid Sciences Diploma at Douglas College? Visit our website to learn more: