A Day in the Life of Ravinthra, Audiologist and Hearing Specialist
11 March 2025
We don’t often think about our hearing, until it starts to fade. Struggling to follow conversations or hearing a constant ringing can make daily life harder.
For Ravinthra Raj Bhaskar, audiology isn’t just a career. It’s a calling. With years of experience, he has dedicated himself to helping people hear better and live fuller lives.
Finding His Path in Audiology
Ravinthra always knew he wanted to work in healthcare, but he wasn’t sure which path to take. He knew he didn’t want to be a doctor, but beyond that, he felt unsure about his future. In college, he explored different options, unsure of what suited him best. One day, a lecturer introduced him to audiology. Curious, he decided to explore that path and that changed everything.
“At first, I had no idea what audiology was,” he admits. “But the more I learned, the more I realised how much I enjoyed it.” Helping someone hear again–whether it’s a loved one’s voice or their favourite music–is a life-changing experience.
More Than Just Hearing Aids
Now at the Speech and Hearing Centre at Sunway Medical Centre, he helps people with hearing and balance problems. Many think audiologists only work with hearing aids, but their job goes beyond that. "We check hearing, find problems, and help with treatment," Ravinthra explains. Every patient is different, and a hearing aid isn’t always the solution.
One big challenge is helping people accept hearing loss. "Most of the time, it
happens slowly, so people don’t notice at first," he says. Some think others just need to speak louder, while others worry that hearing aids won’t work or will be too noticeable.
Breaking the Stigma Around Hearing Loss
Even with modern hearing technology, many people ignore hearing problems, thinking it’s just part of aging.
Ravinthra stresses the importance of getting help early. “The longer hearing loss goes untreated, the harder it is for the brain to adjust,” he says. “That’s why regular check-ups are important.”
Protect Your Hearing with the 80/90 Rule
Hearing loss is often preventable. “People are exposed to loud sounds all the time—at concerts, clubs, or even in their cars,” Ravinthra says.
To protect your hearing, he follows the 80/90 rule:
- Keep your device volume at 80% or lower.
- Listen for 90 minutes max before taking a break.
“Just like our bodies get tired, our ears do too,” he explains. “Giving them time to rest helps prevent long-term damage.” He also recommends using earplugs at loud events. “They don’t block sound completely but lower it to a safer level.”
Life Beyond the Clinic
After work, Ravinthra unwinds with his favorite TV shows, FRIENDS. “I’ve watched it so many times, but it never gets old,” he says. “No matter how stressful the day is, an episode makes everything feel lighter.”
When he’s not at home, he enjoys road trips. “I’d drive to Johor or Singapore for a short getaway or head to Ipoh just for the food,” he shares. For him, long drives are relaxing, just good music and the open road.
A food lover, he’s always looking for new places to eat. “Good food is worth the trip,” he says. Whether it’s a famous dish or a hidden gem, he enjoys discovering great meals.
Advice for Future Audiologists
If you're curious about audiology, Ravinthra encourages you to give it a look. "I didn’t even know this degree existed when I was in university, but I’m so glad I found it," he says. "There’s always something new to learn because research keeps advancing, and every day brings new discoveries."
He also highlights the demand for audiologists. “People aren’t taking care of their hearing as they should. We need more audiologists to step in and make a difference.”
Thank you, Ravinthra, for your dedication and service at Sunway Medical Centre.
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