THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 6, 1994 TAG: 9407020186
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
All infants babble at first, but hearing-impaired infants soon stop babbling, said audiologist Mavis Garrett.
A stoppage of babbling is one of the signs that an infant may have a hearing problem, Garrett said.
Garrett, an Isle of Wight resident, was recently promoted to director of speech and hearing at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.
Garrett, 36, has worked in the audiology department at Riverside since 1984.
She said her duties include testing for hearing loss and balance testing in both adults and children.
``I had an older gentleman come in and he wanted to buy a new hearing aid,'' she explained. ``But after we tested him, we found that he had a treatable hearing loss. And he didn't need another hearing aid.
``It's very rewarding to see someone hearing again,'' she said. ``There's a lot of smiles that come from that.''
Garrett said she never intended to have a career in audiology.
``I started off wanting to be a doctor. Then, I wanted to be a nurse, but I also had an interest in special education. And this is one medical branch of special education. It's very rewarding,'' she said.
Name: Mavis Whittle Garrett.
What brought you to Isle of Wight: Mine and my husband's employment.
Hometown: Charleston, W. Va.
Birthdate: May 12, 1958.
Nickname: None.
Occupation: Audiologist and director of speech and hearing at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News.
Marital Status: Married to J.W. Garrett for 13 years.
Children: Tyler, 3; Delaney, 1 and Melanie, eight months.
Favorite movie: ``An Officer and a Gentleman.''
Favorite magazine: ``Parents.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? The Bible. It gives insight into the future.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a comedy club.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Orapax Inn in Norfolk.
Favorite food and drink: Seafood and any drink with an umbrella.
Few people know . . . that I play the saxophone.
What's the best thing about yourself? I try to be nice to everyone.
Worst habit: Procrastination.
First thing in the morning: Usually changing diapers.
Pets: Max our bassett hound and Gizmo our cat.
Hobbies: Sewing and knitting.
Ideal vacation: A Royal Caribbean Cruise - anywhere.
Pet peeve: Rudeness.
First job: Waitress at a fast food steakhouse.
Worst job: Waitress at a fast food steakhouse.
What achievements are you most proud of? The birth of my three children and my promotion at Riverside Regional Medical Center.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``She made a difference.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB