The evidence is clear: inclusion in the workplace is key to employment equality for people who are deaf or have hearing loss.
Here, we bring that to life with two stories that show how people’s lives are affected by the actions of those around them.
For Sarah, a complaint from a colleague led to her leaving the sector she was training for. For Jack, efforts from colleagues to support and include him have helped him feel seen, appreciated, and empowered.
Sarah’s story: held back by a lack of support
Sarah was diagnosed with hearing loss aged five. She was never encouraged to speak about it, which led to many years of hearing loss denial and self-doubt.
Sarah’s ambition to become an NHS dietitian was thwarted when, early in her career, she experienced discrimination. After that, she was constantly anxious about mishearing something important and losing her job as a result.
Now Sarah is speaking up about her hearing loss and raising awareness of inclusion through her social media channels, ‘Fully included, fully here.’
It was towards the end of my final placement in my dietetic training that I experienced discrimination for the first time.
I was called into the manager’s office and told there had been a complaint about me from another dietitian. They said I was mishearing patients, which would be detrimental to their care. My manager suggested I seek a job whereby I didn’t need to hear so much, like working in a lab. Her words left me speechless.
I passed my course and my placement… but this lack of support with my hearing loss was the final straw for me. So despite my passion for the subject, I didn’t pursue a career as a NHS dietitian.
I was advised to not make an official complaint by my university, due to the ‘small dietetic world’. This lack of closure and justice for myself and others has sat uncomfortably with me ever since.
Therapy has helped me realise how much hearing loss has affected my confidence, mental health and career. I have finally accepted and embraced my hearing loss – and I’m now calling out misconduct. I’m calling people out when they treat me inappropriately.
Jack’s story: when inclusion makes the difference
Jack works in the financial services sector. He has lived with hearing loss since childhood, and at 21, he received NHS hearing aids.
He’s now part of a network of 60 colleagues in his workplace who experience hearing loss, deafness, or tinnitus.
How deaf awareness makes a difference
I’ve witnessed beautiful moments of inclusivity in my current workplace. One colleague even took the time to learn British Sign Language (BSL) to communicate with me during meetings. That effort makes me feel truly seen and appreciated.
During team meetings, my colleagues have made an effort to ensure everyone is included, using visual aids, captions, and providing written summaries afterwards. Those gestures remind me that we’re all in this together.
The support I receive from my colleagues and employer, who are aware and inclusive, creates a nurturing environment that allows me to thrive. When people take the time to ensure I’m included, it eases my anxiety that can stem from communication barriers. I feel empowered to share my ideas without the fear of being misunderstood. That awareness makes all the difference.
Having a workplace adjustment plan through occupational health, which accommodates my inability to engage in telephone communications, has been crucial. Knowing that my needs are recognised and accommodated, as I cannot take inbound or outbound calls, allows me to focus on my strengths, free from the burden of feeling misunderstood or excluded.
The impact of exclusion
Unfortunately, there have been times when I’ve felt excluded in previous roles with other companies, especially in discussions where I was overlooked. It was heartbreaking to feel invisible, as if my voice doesn’t matter.
I recall a meeting where conversations flowed quickly without anyone checking in to see if I was following along. I felt isolated and invisible, as if my contributions didn’t hold any weight. These experiences highlight the challenges many deaf individuals face in traditional workplaces, where the pace can feel overwhelming.
One particularly hurtful incident was when a customer demanded to speak to someone who could “hear and speak properly.” I felt deeply affected by those words, but my manager intervened and supported me.
Jack’s advice to employers and colleagues
To create a more inclusive workplace, I urge employers and colleagues to be patient and proactive. Simple actions, like facing the person when speaking, allowing processing time, and avoiding assumptions, can transform interactions.
Communication is a two-way street. A little mindfulness can break down barriers. Encouraging open conversations about inclusivity raises awareness and creates a culture of understanding. Simple gestures, like ensuring meetings are accessible and using clear, inclusive language, can create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. It really does matter.
My speech impediment and hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation and anxiety, especially when my attempts to communicate are mistaken for rudeness. I’m not being difficult; I’m navigating a world that often thinks fast and listens poorly. All I ask for is a little patience, understanding, and time to process. It’s not just a hearing issue; it’s a societal patience issue.
My voice matters, and so does every individual who feels overlooked.