New job and hearing loss

db2xs · Jul 23, 2020

You are brave to speak out about your hearing loss.

How bad is it? I think there are laws out there to protect people with disabilities. Did you know there is a group called the Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Loss? Maybe they could be of better help in this situation.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 23, 2020

If you wear hearing aids ... then they are going to know you have a hearing loss. They'll see the aids.

I have a hearing loss and made sure that I mentioned it in my job interview because I didn't want to live in fear of being "found out"-- or being accused of lying on my application. I also make it a point to tell anyone I am going to be working with for any length of time.

I had a colleague who kept her hearing loss a secret (but confided in me because she was amazed that I was so open about it). Everyone thought she was "weird" because her conversation was a bit stilted as she struggled to keep up. I don't want people to think I am weird or stupid, or that I am ignoring them when they speak to me. So I tell them -- and made sure that I found a work environment that was OK with me the way I really am. I've never had to live in fear working here.

How do you want to live your life?

Guest1030824 · Jul 23, 2020

Getting hearing aids & surgery. No longer working but will let future employer know. TY.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 24, 2020

Good luck!