The NHCA Narrative: Nancy Wojcik

By: Nancy Wojcik, NHCA Member

I am one of those “late bloomers.” But it’s a trait I have come to treasure as it has served me well, professionally and personally. I have had wonderful career opportunities and met inspiring individuals, many of which became friends, like those of you at NHCA. True-to-form, I came into hearing conservation late in my career. It was the last ten years of my nearly 36 year career when I was asked to monitor trends and advances in hearing conservation. At that time, otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing was getting a lot of press. I needed to learn and learn quickly.

So, in 2011, I attended my first NHCA conference in Mesa, Arizona. It was the 36th annual NHCA conference and it was chock-full of everything OAE (and more)! I remember the outstanding presentations, posters, hands-on training and all the expertise one could imagine, all under one roof.

What stood out then and continues to stand out today about NHCAers, is their passion, comradery, eagerness to lend an ear and mentor anyone in need. Everyone extended a warm welcome to this novice in hearing health. It was extraordinary and I was hooked. So hooked, that I soon threw my name in the hat to serve as NHCA Secretary/Treasurer and Director of Communication and lastly as Chief Editor of Spectrum. I wanted to be part of this amazing community/family that fondly welcomed me. I wanted to be surrounded by the scientific excellence exuded by every NHCAer and learn from you.

No matter where you are in your career, early-, mid- or late-, there is an opportunity to do something valuable within NHCA. I encourage you to get more involved, serve on the Executive Council or on the Editorial Board of Spectrum. I am confident you will find it to be a rewarding experience, both professionally and personally. I know I did. Wishing you all the very best  in your careers and personal lives.