From school leaver to audiology director: Wigan professional's 14-year journey inspires others to consider hearing care careers

Healthcare professional Jonny Holder, who left school at 16, has become an audiology director at Specsavers after a 14-year career journey, showcasing the opportunities available in the growing sector.

He started at the Standishgate-based store in July 2012 aged 19 as an optical assistant, his first job that required him to wear a shirt and tie.

Since then he has risen through the ranks to lead a team of nine audiology professionals who help thousands of customers annually.

‘I'd left school at 16 with very few qualifications and honestly didn't think these opportunities were possible for me,’ said Jonny. ‘My Nan bought me a coffee cup especially for my first day, it's now chipped and stained with the handle glued back on but I still use it every day. It reminds me of how far I've come.’

The turning point came during Jonny's time as an optical assistant when he observed the amazing transformations in customers before and after their audiology appointments.

‘I'd watch customers come in struggling to communicate and leave completely transformed; more confident, happier, able to engage with people around them,’ he added. ‘It inspired me to develop myself so I could play that role in improving the quality of life for people in the community I'd grown up in.’

Specsavers financially supported Jonny through multiple professional qualifications over 12 years, from hearing care assistant to a foundation degree in Audiology. He became a qualified hearing aid dispenser in 2017, clinical lead audiologist in 2021 and was appointed as audiology director in November 2024.

‘A world of opportunity also means a world of change. The great thing about Specsavers is that there's always someone who has been in your position, who you can lean on for support and advice,’ Jonny said. ‘The directors at Wigan have been amazing, they funded every course, provided mentorship and countless hours of training.’

Jonny's typical day now starts early with a coffee in his cherished mug, reviewing the clinic schedule before his first appointment at 9am. He performs hearing checks, diagnoses hearing loss and ear related issues, fits both NHS and private hearing devices and plans progression pathways for colleagues.

‘Although the ins and outs of my day have changed so much from being an optical assistant to leading the team, the essence remains the same, working together to improve people's lives with better sight and hearing,’ he said.

The impact of Jonny’s work is profound. In one case, a customer had isolated herself over two years, avoiding family events, stopping weekly book club meetings and struggling to communicate with her young grandchildren.

‘As soon as the hearing devices were fitted and turned on, she sat up and said “oh my goodness, I can hear!” She immediately started talking to her daughter who was in tears,’ Jonny recalled. ‘We brought the grandchildren into the room and the whole family spent 15 minutes just talking, everyone was crying happy tears, including me. A week later her daughter bought the team chocolates and thanked us for changing not only her mum's life, but the whole family's.’

Speaking ahead of World Hearing Day on March 3, Jonny emphasised the importance of early intervention for hearing health.

‘Research from Hearing Aid UK indicates that people in the UK often wait up to seven years between first noticing hearing loss and seeking help, with some delays extending to around 10 years. You wouldn't wait seven years to get your eyes tested if you were struggling to see so why compromise your quality of life when it comes to your hearing and help is available?’

Jonny also addressed common misconceptions: ‘People often come with the stigma that hearing loss only happens to old people, or that wearing hearing devices is a sign of getting old. I gently ask if they feel the same about their sight and needing glasses.’

For young people considering audiology as a career, Jonny's message is clear.

‘Absolutely take the leap! Audiology is such a rewarding career with amazing potential for development. If I can do it, anyone can,’ he said. ‘My advice to anyone experiencing hearing difficulties is simple: there's nothing to lose and everything to gain. With hearing device technology advancing rapidly, there's never been a better time to get your hearing checked.’