Bev teaches at a university. A large part of her job involves engaging students in group discussions, and listening and responding to help her students understand the themes and ideas explored in class. However, this can be difficult with hearing loss.

“I have otosclerosis, a degenerative hearing condition, with moderate to severe hearing loss. Without hearing aids, it would be difficult if not impossible to teach in an actual classroom. It is incredibly challenging to hear and understand students, many of whom speak softly,” she shares. “My hearing loss is also worse in one ear, which makes it impossible to tell where sound is coming from without corrective devices.”

While she had hearing aids previously, they were worn down over many years of use, and were purchased at a time when her hearing loss was much less significant.

Her audiologist referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help getting new hearing aids that fit her needs on the job.

“The Assistive Technology Services Program helped me by partially supporting the cost of my hearing aids. Hearing aids are incredibly expensive, and unlike with corrective vision care, most health insurance companies only cover a small percentage of the cost,” she shares.

The new hearing aids have made Bev’s workday much easier.

“It would be impossible to do my job without these hearing aids,” she explains. “These new hearing aids use AI to react to settings and situations, in my case, students in a classroom. They increase volume of speakers as needed and correct for my lack of directional hearing, so I can hear where questions are coming from.”

She particularly praises the service she received from WorkBC Assistive Technology Services staff.

“I particularly appreciated the time and effort that went into walking me through the different steps of the application process,” Bev says.

“I would 100% recommend other people in my situation explore the Assistive Technology Services program. When people have conditions which make it challenging to work — and costly to correct — services like this are indispensable. Everyone I dealt with was incredibly helpful and understanding.”

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WorkBC Assistive Technology Services is operated by Neil Squire. Assistive Technology Services are available to individuals who have a work-related barrier due to a disability or a functional limitation. This may include barriers related to traveling to and from the workplace.

Questions about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services? Need help applying? Contact us: 1-844-453-5506 or info-ats@workbc.ca

Please visit www.workbc-ats.ca for more information about WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.

Tags: assistive technology, BC, Hearing Aids, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services