If you find it hard to follow conversations in meetings or hear on the phone, Action on Hearing Loss can help.

Hearing loss is increasingly common, affecting 12 in every 100 employees in the UK. Yet very often people are reluctant to talk about hearing loss, or even disclose it to their employer.

Hearing loss can have a significant impact in the workplace, often leading to feelings of stress, isolation, and a negative effect on interactions with colleagues.

We believe that deafness and hearing loss should not limit anyone’s ability to access and thrive in employment.

The Action on Hearing Loss Workable (NI) Programme can provide regular one to one support to you and your employer, including advice and assistance tailored to your individual needs and your working environment.

Types of support may include emotional support, confidence building, peer support, advice on implementing reasonable adjustments, support to use assistive equipment and Communication Tactics training for colleagues.

Bronagh, from Newry, is profoundly deaf and was supported through the Workable (NI) Programme. She said:

“I used to sit with my back to the office and it was quite frightening, I couldn’t hear anybody coming or people calling me. I spent the whole time with bad headaches.”

Bronagh was moved into a quieter office, facing everyone, which made a big difference. Her colleagues are now more aware of her deafness, and will make sure that notes from meetings are passed on to her afterwards. As a result of the intervention, Bronagh is now “more involved with people and more involved with the office work.”

The Workable (NI) Programme is delivered by Supported Employment Solutions funded by the Department for Communities, at no cost to employers. If reasonable adjustments are required, funding may be available through the government’s Access to Work grant.

To get in touch, email employmentteamni@hearingloss.org.uk or call 028 9023 9619.