What does someone with hearing problems and hearing aids do for a living? We need dosh too!
So now I am back from gallivanting around the globe and leaving any adult responsibilities behind... I have the tedious and disappointing task of looking for employment. Some of my previous jobs have included a pharmacy dispenser, a nanny, answering phones for the local council tax department and most recently, a cleaner (5 star hotel though thankyouverymuch).
If you have ever had to actually sit down and look for work, you'll know how soul destroying this is, assuming everyone hates it as much as I do? As it turns out, the majority of the jobs I have experience for, that pay relatively well and I don't need any further qualifications all involve my nemesis... the telephone!! Argh! No! Evil devil object made to destroy me!
Ok, ok, maybe it's not THAT bad, but the thought of being on the phones again all day fills me with nothing but anxiety and dread. I can't hear a sodding thing. I have discovered (and had a professional back this up) that I subconsciously lip read when having a conversation now my ears are absolutely terrible at doing their one and only job. You can't lip read on a telephone. Obviously. Shove me on a front desk and I will wow you with social and organisational skills to rival the best, but give me a phone and it will be like talking to a brick wall. A deaf brick wall. A deaf brick wall with learning difficulties. Not great for business.
But there is a glimmer of hope (for my bank balance especially)!
There are products, so it seems, available to assist with this very issue. I have found numerous landline telephones for sale online that claim to work specifically for hearing aid wearers and tinnitus sufferers. Woohoo, problem sorted! (maybe).
Some, offer audio louder than a normal phone if you're just looking for a bit of volume, but some claim to work with your hearing aid programme to give optimum hearing abilities! Isn't this fantastic news? I suppose the only challenge will be, to not only persuade an employer that you would be amazing at the job, but to also purchase a new phone especially for you costing around £125 (Amplicomms PowerTel 2702 handset pair) before you've even been able to prove yourself. Hmmm... proceed with optimistic attitude mode.
The last time I had to find a job, I was convinced no employer would shell out for such a thing, and so just did not apply for any jobs requiring a phone. Hence, I went for a cleaning job (which I'd just like to mention, I was the absolute bomb at, but really disliked the company I worked for, hospitality is not for me and nor is mopping up beer puke after a corporate party!).
I shall not be doing the same this time around! I am going to own my problem and be open and positive about it to potential employers in the hope that they will still consider hiring me.
I just might wait until I've charmed their hats off before I mention the cost of my comfort...
Wish me luck, because there's only so long I can survive on 3 minute noodles! I will be sure to log my progress and give an honest review of how employers respond to hearing impaired interviewees and how far they're willing to go for someone, that would otherwise be, ideal for the job.
For assisted telephones you can use at home or at the workplace, there are plenty of options on the following website. As I said, some are just amplified phones and some are specialised in hearing aid compatibility, so make sure you find one that's right for you. (And read the reviews every. Single. Time)
https://www.hearingdirect.com/