Q&A with Dr. Zorina Mikhelson

Dr. Zorina Mikhelson is a Clinical Audiologist at the Pennsylvania Ear Institute of Salus University. At a young age she had the desire to pursue a career in a health related profession, and ultimately decided to focus her attention and education towards a career in patient centered care as an audiologist. 

What inspired you to become an audiologist?

While researching various allied health professions in my sophomore year at the University of Pittsburgh, I found that I was drawn to the demand and mission of the field of audiology.  I decided to pursue my interest further so I could eventually help a variety of populations and spread the professional word. I received my AUD degree from Salus University in 2008, and then completed a one year externship at Einstein Hospital and Medical Center in Philadelphia.

Since becoming an audiologist, is there a specific patient (that you've treated) or patient story that stands out in your mind? 

Four years ago I became certified in cochlear implantation because I’ve always wanted to specialize within that population. One of my very first patients was a woman who had been hard of hearing almost her entire life, with a severe decline and progression of loss over the years. She began to pull away from her family, friends, and community because she no longer enjoyed conversation or music. When she realized that hearing aids weren’t helping, she made an appointment [with me] for a cochlear implant candidacy evaluation - she was finally implanted in 2014. When she came to me for her initial activation she was undoubtedly nervous, but I reassured her that she made the right decision. When I programmed her processor and turned it on for the first time, tears streamed down her face and she exclaimed, “I can hear you, I can actually hear you!” She turned to her husband and said to him, “Please talk to me so I can hear your sweet voice again.” I tried to hold back my tears, but I must admit that I did shed a few. Since her initial appointment, she has done phenomenally well with her device and is thinking about getting a second implant. I love what I do.

In your opinion, what are the most challenging aspects of your job? 

I’m always up for a challenge, and since I love my career, I can’t say that I’ve encountered too many. Often times, convincing a patient that they do in fact have hearing loss and will benefit from hearing aids can be difficult.

What are your clinical and personal interests?

Dr. Mikhelson has a clinical interest in cochlear implantation, while her personal interests include cooking, reading sappy novels, and spending quality time with her children.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect of my job as an audiologist is when patients notice a change in the quality of their lives after I fit them with a new hearing aid or cochlear implant.  I love working with students and helping to shape them into future audiologists. I enjoy teaching clinical methods and theories that students will be able to use throughout their professional careers.

What advice would you give to patients to help them get the most from their audiologist? 

Use your Audiologist- we’re here to answer your questions and help you with hearing and balance related problems. Don’t ever feel like you are an inconvenience - we’re here to improve your quality of life.

If you suspect you or someone you know has a hearing problem, please contact the Pennsylvania Ear Institute of Salus University at 215.780.3180 to schedule an appointment with a Doctor of Audiology.