Terrebonne’s Young Achievers Offer Vision, Hope for the Future
December 12, 2018
Myers McAllister | Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School
December 12, 2018
Thibodaux’s The Hearing Clinic helps locals “reconnect to their world.” Over the past 20 years, the facility has used the newest and most innovative healthcare technologies, by working with several well-established hearing aid manufacturers, for the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of their patients. Audiologist and owner Dr. Catherine Lo, who even at a young age envisioned herself working for herself by opening her own business, has impacted many by returning to them the gift of hearing.
What led you to own your own company?
“I am from the Philippines, from a city called San Pablo City in the province of Laguna. Our city is also known as ‘the City of Seven Lakes’ as it does have seven beautiful lakes. We moved to Thibodaux when my husband accepted a teaching position at Nicholls State University. He is a Chemistry professor.
When I was a student doing my observation hours at the ENT Department of a hospital, I witnessed someone hear for the first time after being fit with a hearing aid. The patient was so happy that he cried. I will never forget the expression on the patients face. When I saw this, I knew it was the profession for me. I wanted to raise a family and be a career woman at the same time. Being an entrepreneur was the answer for me because I knew it would give me the flexibility I wanted and needed.”
What is the biggest challenge you have faced over the years and how did you meet it?
“Over-the-counter hearing aids and sales of hearing aids through the internet. I found ways to differentiate our practice from the competition. It does not take long for our patients to realize the value of our advanced professional expertise and the exceptional service we provide. Word of mouth from highly satisfied patients is our greatest asset.”
What is on the horizon for you?
“The possibility of telehealth (remotely provide access to audiological services to patients) and even more sophisticated artificial intelligence in hearing technology. Our clinic is also preparing for our very first international hearing mission. We wish to provide the ‘Gift of Hearing’ to people in need.”
Other than your phone, what is something you need to get through each workday?
“Nowadays, I cannot function as an audiologist without the help of computers. All the stages of hearing evaluation process require the use of computers from the assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. Hearing devices nowadays are also so technologically advanced that computers are needed to fine tune, adjust and customize them for the patient.”
Who are your greatest influencers? How do you feel knowing that others list you as theirs?
“My husband and kids are my greatest influencers. I admire my husband’s passion and dedication to learning. He inspires me to do the same. My children are my source of inspiration and motivation to do the best in everything I do. I am known to be hardworking, tenacious, creative, cheerful and positive even in the face of adversity. I attribute all these to my Filipino heritage. I am humbled and honored, but most of all, inspired.” •
