Imagine the surprise and delight we had today in Sligo, when one of Santa's littles elves dropped in to see us on Stephen Street.

Elf Siobhan was asked by Santa (who was just too busy) to call by and thank the team at Sligo Hearing Aid Centre for helping all the people in the Sligo/Leitrim area who have difficulty hearing. Very thoughtful of Santa!

We couldn't help noting how alike Helen (our receptionist) Elf Siobhan looked. Hughely coincidental.

Well, I feel very informed these days as I'm not long back from yet another educational event. This time it was in Dublin so at least I didn't have to fly outside the country which makes a change!

The hosts were I.S.H.A.A. (Irish Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists) of whom this year, I'm on the council which is a lovely honour. I.S.H.A.A.'s objective is to make sure all Irish Hearing Aid Audiologists are committed to their work and always using best practice. Staying educated on latest techniques, latest requirements and basically keeping the profession as professional as possible.

That really was the topic over the course of the event, the importance of keeping "up to speed " with what's happening in technology is hugely important as there are many new methods of hearing testing, hearing aid education and hearing aid fitting.

The importance of good aftercare was discussed and this is an issue that I feel strongly about, staying in touch with my customers long after they purchase their hearing aids and offering continuous support when needed. It amazes me when customers come back into my practice with hearing aids purchased from other suppliers with whom they haven't attended for long periods.

So I'm busy these days being educated further and accumulating plenty CPDs!

Last week, I spent 4 days at a conference entitled Unite University. It was held in Manchester and had approximately 80 attendees. Topics like best practice, customer service, developments in technology were covered in great detail.

Spending time back in the classroom all day for a few days, certainly does focus the mind but very rewarding and one does feel very inspired and encouraged to see the profession progressing strongly.

So, this morning, it's back to the office, totally invigorated and ready for action!

However, the last of the three conferences is Dublin where I will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week. It's also a great opportunity to network with other Hearing Aid Audiologists and Hearing Aid manufacturers.

I'm really looking forward to putting all this knowledge into practice and seeing the benefits for my clients hearing, which at the end of the day is what it's all about!!!

That's me in the middle of the picture with Tony Niederer (Head of Marketing) Unitron, Canada and Philp Stores Head of Unitron UK.

I recently had a very kind invitation to give a talk to the Dungloe Active Retirement Group. I was greeted by the chairman Rory Perry and his wife Sue.

There was terrific audience participation as many of the attendees had lots of questions regarding hearing aids, government grants, tinnitus and our new mobility range of products.

Afterwards a cup of tea was had by all accompanied with a friendly chat.

I'd like to thank them again for their kind invitation.

Well here I am just back from attending a conference in Audiology. The conference was in Vienna, Austria. My first time to visit Vienna which really is a beautiful city with lots to see and do!

Over the years I have attended many conferences but this time there was a difference, not just was I attending but I also addressed the delegates and gave a talk on my experience with "Flex:trial" and how successful more importantly for my customers.

I must say to address the "brains of audiology" from around the globe, certainly is daunting but fulfilling none the less.

Much of the conference was focused on new technologies that are been developed and certainly as a Hearing Aid Audiologist, who devotes most of his life to improving the quality of hearing for my customers, I'm very excited to see these technologies coming to the fore.

So it's all good and I'm looking forward to getting even better results with my customers going forward.......