Aims: The purpose of the study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of audiologists using reflective practice (RP) in the workplace, to identify key issues affecting the use of RP in the workplace, and to seek input from audiologists regarding how students can increase their engagement of RP during their studies.

Methods: Twelve audiologists who graduated from the University of Canterbury participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis to uncover recurring themes in the participants’ responses.

Results: Five themes were identified from the data: why RP is used (Theme 1: If you don’t reflect on things, we’re not going to get better), the methods used for RP (Theme 2: It’s really informal things), the barriers that affect audiologists from engaging in RP (Theme 3: We do not have enough time, because we do not have enough clinicians), how audiologists used RP as students and as new graduates (Theme 4: You’re very caught up on ticking the boxes), and suggestions audiologists have for future students regarding RP (Theme 5: Create an environment of making mistakes).

Conclusion: Audiologists used RP to improve client outcomes, facilitate client centred care, and increase clinical competence. Time constraints and limited opportunities to reflect were key barriers to engaging in RP and suggested workplace changes included establishing resources such as discussion groups and structured prompts. For future students, audiologists advocated for small group discussions, written RP, and education of RP within curriculum to enhance student engagement.