Rachel is one of our youngest volunteers, and her journey into volunteering began with her own experience of hearing loss. Now 22, she’s using her lived experience to support others at RNID Near You sessions.
What inspired me to volunteer
Due to my personal experiences with hearing loss, I became invested in audiology as a subject. I would love to pursue a career in audiology to aid those experiencing hearing loss who are unsure of the process.
When I found RNID, I knew that it was perfect for my induction into the hearing loss community.
Living with hearing loss
At the age of 14, I was diagnosed with a cholesteatoma (a non-cancerous growth behind the eardrum) which resulted in three surgeries to remove it. The treatments resulted in severe hearing loss in my left ear. It was a strange and sudden transition, and I had to quickly figure out how to adapt. I eventually managed to get a hearing aid, which took a while, but I was able to get some degree of hearing back in that ear.
When I started volunteering at RNID Near You, it was a full circle moment. I was back where my own hearing loss journey began (my GP practice is located at the same centre) but now, I am guiding others in similar positions with their hearing loss journeys and offering advice.
It feels very rewarding to be able to give back to a community that I am a part of and improve the quality of life of others.
Making a difference
Being able to make a real difference in people’s lives is my favourite thing about volunteering. Whether it’s retubing hearing aids, guiding someone to audiology services, or helping them understand the newer Bluetooth hearing aid technology – each interaction is a chance to see the genuine impact of what we do.
Knowing that these small acts can significantly improve someone’s daily life is incredibly rewarding and keeps me motivated to continue helping others on their hearing journeys.
Facing everyday challenges with hearing loss
The biggest challenges are in social settings. I feel this is the case from my personal experiences, but it also seems to be the general consensus from the people I speak to at RNID sessions.
It is a struggle to hear what people are saying in a noisy atmosphere, and it can make you feel isolated and prevent you from taking part in conversations or even stop going out with people altogether.
Hopes for a more inclusive future
Personally, my experience has shown me that there is not a lot of awareness on how hearing loss can have such a profound impact on your life, and it is not a visible disability. I think it’s important for people to realise that not every disability is visible and to treat everyone with kindness.
From an academic point of view, I hope there will be changes in the scientific field that impact hearing loss, too. I am currently completing an MSc in Applied Neuroscience, and I work under a University Professor whose projects try to predict hearing loss. I know there are many other researchers looking into similar projects involving treatments for deafness, too.
A message for anyone struggling with hearing loss
Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone or get involved in the deaf community. There are lots of people going through such similar scenarios and it can be so freeing to find people who understand such a unique experience.
