Comments on: How To Read Your Audiogram

By: Adrian Francis

Adrian Francis — Tue, 24 May 2011 21:27:21 +0000

This is clear and concise guide!

By: Rich - MN

Rich - MN — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:56:00 +0000

The hardest part of asking for accommodations at work – or anywhere else – when you are hard of hearing is that the majority of focus of advocates has been skewed towards people who are deaf and work with interpreters. I am not saying this as a negative about the Deaf Community, they spoke up and got noticed. I do think that if we want to see accommodations for people who are hard of hearing, we need to speak up. This is not easy when we are all looking over our shoulder in today’s economy wondering if we are next out the door and fearing that if we make waves we will be next. I do think though we have to begin with Vocational Rehabilitation and other services and tell them I need accommodations to continue to work successfully just as people who are deaf do. My accomodations needs are different, but just as valid. To ignore this is discrimination and government agencies are not allowed to operate that way. I often use this example in my presentations about hearing loss; “I am deaf and you are hearing. We both go to France, but neiter of us speaks/understands French. I cannot hear it and you cannot understand it, which of us is most limited? By the way, if the Frenchman speaks louder, it does not help you or me. So, a pocket talker, FM system, CART, etc. is that I need. Too expensive! Sure, I’ve heard that for years when I encouraged the hiring of interpreters too. Rich-MN

By: kim

kim — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:34:02 +0000

Hi Jay, I think what Trudy meant was if you posted comments to our current post as it is on the front page, but it’s fine to comment here. The Dept. of Vocational Rehab is a federal program designed to help people with hearing loss and other disabilities to find jobs.

Different states call it different things “Work Force”, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, Vocational Rehabilitation,. . .”

Do a google search by your state and vocational rehab, and you should find your state’s webpage. If nothing else, they can generally help with job search. They will also work with your employer to educate about the laws regarding accommodations for the hearing impaired.

By: Trudy

Trudy — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:54:27 +0000

Hello Jay,
Your delima is a huge one crossing the nation. I’ve found no areas of services for hearing loss (medical, tech creations, sales of such, soc. services) where any part of the learning included understanding of LDA’s (late deafened adults and hoh after the age of 19). So, society wise, the ignorance of our life and needs is rampant.

I could give you a lot of agencies, groups, etc to call but I’ve called them many times over the years with no support or specifics to help me continue my independant living. But, there are many things you can do towards your problem. I just need more information. Also, think of each time, in detail, where your job would require hearing and in what form.

What state are you in? What type of jobs are you seeking? Are you totally deaf, hoh, know a little ASL, sign fluently? Can you communicate one on one, in a small group, on the phone etc.?

It would be helpful for you if you started your request for help with a separate heading. I doubt people will find you under audiology. I found you cause someone copied/pasted to a shared listgroup with me. There is much to suggest back and forth but first start with the above.

I await your reply.

By: michele

michele — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:20:11 +0000

Jay,

It’s quite possible you qualify for job seeker assistance related to your hearing loss and/or age. Check with your state WorkForce Office to see if there is a program in place.

Also, most states have Deaf Hard of Hearing Services and they usually work together with the WorkForce Office to provide any special equipment, etc., that someone with hearing loss might need in the workplace.

We all know employers are not permitted, by law, to discriminate against someone based on their hearing loss or age, but it happens. Unless you can prove discrimination, then there isn’t a whole lot you can do about it.

Looking for work, paired with an advocate, might alleviate some of the concerns employers might have with regard to your hearing loss and age. Having others on your side, helping to assure that you are capable to do the job might make the difference. It’s worth a try.

By: Katie

Katie — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 02:00:08 +0000

Jay – I am wondering if you are able to prove that you are being discriminated in the workplace. If so, there are laws to protect you. However, if it’s just a hunch that you have re: discrimination and employment, I don’t know if there is anything you can do. I am looking for a job, and I feel I have a steeper hill to climb in my job search, simply because of my hearing loss and the lack of understanding about it from a potential employer’s point of view. Good luck!

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:56:38 +0000

I am experiencing a lot of discrimination, due to my hearing loss as well as my age. At 62 I still am in good shape except for my hearing. Is there any help fighting this discrimination especially in the employment sector. I have Bilateral Sensorineural hearing loss and it seems like employers go out of their way to not hire me. Thank You J.

By: papni kirpalani

papni kirpalani — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:15:45 +0000

nice one !! really worth reading even for qualified doctors…

simple and clear explanation.

By: saytheword

saytheword — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:37:38 +0000

Sorry Dann, but the background of the actual article is white. don’t know why you’re seeing it in black?

By: Dann

Dann — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:19:16 +0000

Nice information. what is hard is that black background is somewhat hard to read the words as well as to print all that black ink is also not good, too. Hope you can modify the colors for better reading and printing.
Thanks.