NICOLE BOWDEN, a leading Melbourne audiologist and chair of Hearing Business Alliance, provides insights from her time as a guest panellist for La Trobe University.
Ethical considerations in business are fundamental to the integrity and sustainability of any healthcare profession, including audiology.
I was deeply honoured to be invited as a guest panellist for La Trobe University’s Master of Clinical Audiology program for the past two years, where I had the opportunity to participate in discussions on its newly introduced subject, “Ethical business practices in audiology”.
As Dr Matthew Callaway, casual academic at La Trobe University and senior audiologist and director at Arafura Audiology, explains: “Run over five days, the course includes lectures, workshops and a panel discussion covering all aspects of the business practice of audiology”.
As the principal audiologist and manager of Victorian Hearing, I feel fortunate to have been able to share my experiences and contribute to the conversation around the critical role of ethics in both patient care and business operations.
In Australia, where approximately one in six individuals have a degree of hearing loss, it is vital that hearing loss awareness and audiological services are accessible. Ethical practice isn’t just about compliance with industry standards — it’s about ensuring that every patient feels valued and understood, without the pressure of unnecessary upselling or sales-driven care models.
La Trobe University’s inclusion of “Ethical business practices in audiology” within its Master of Clinical Audiology program, together with the La Trobe Business School and industry partners, represents a crucial step in preparing the next generation of audiologists to navigate the ethical challenges of our profession.
Ms Michelle Le, lecturer in audiology says: “Our Master of Clinical Audiology program at La Trobe University recognises the importance for our students to not only excel in clinical skills but also navigate the ethical considerations of business operations effectively”.
In this subject, students are tasked with creating business plans that take into account not just financial considerations but also the ethical implications of their decisions. This includes researching clinic demographics, selecting suitable locations, and planning the services they will offer.
Through this exercise, students learn the skills to set clear short and long-term goals. “The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, as they recognise the importance of balancing financial viability with ethical clinical practice,” Le adds.
Dr Callaway says: “In most audiological roles now, the clinician – whether a new graduate or experienced practitioner – must have insight and understanding of the clinical service they provide and the financial implications and rewards that service offers, to the client, the clinician and the employer”.
During my time on the panel, I highlighted my experience in independent audiology practice and my ability to maintain ethical integrity in a profit-driven industry. Discussions occurred about the risk of focusing on sales targets overshadowing the needs of the patients’ wellbeing.
Clinicians need to maintain a patient-centred approach when in these environments, whether they are an early graduate, well-seasoned audiologist or audiometrist.
The panel discussion allowed business owners to reassure students that it is very possible, and both professionally and financially rewarding, to run a successful audiology practice while upholding ethical principles.
I shared my experience as the owner of an independent clinic, where patient care consistently takes precedence over sales objectives. This has enabled cultivation of long-term patient relationships, fostering professional integrity and accountability. This approach not only optimises patient outcomes but also contributes positively to the community, supporting both healthcare and economic vitality.
The establishment of independent regulatory bodies, such as the Hearing Professional Conduct and Complaints Body (HPCCB), underscores the growing emphasis on ethical practice within audiology.
HPCCB, launched in 2024, will manage complaints and promote ethical standards across Australia, helping audiologists uphold high standards of care. This development, along with the inclusion of ethical business practices in educational programs, marks a positive shift towards greater accountability and patient-centred care in our field.
I feel deeply committed to advocating for ethical healthcare in audiology and beyond. My experience on La Trobe University’s panel has reinforced my belief that the future of audiology lies at the intersection of ethical business management and clinical excellence.
By instilling these principles in upcoming audiologists, we’re laying a foundation for a profession that prioritises patient well-being, ethical responsibility, and integrity.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nicole Bowden has more than 30 years’ experience in audiology and is the principal audiologist and manager of independent hearing care provider, Victorian Hearing. She is recognised as a key opinion leader for independent practices and for her forward-thinking and progressive approach to hearing care. She completed her audiology qualification at The University of Melbourne in 1991, is a member of Audiology Australia, and advocates for small business audiologists and audiometrists.
