Hunter works as a line cook at a popular pub in Vancouver. Whether he’s preparing food or relaying a ticket to other kitchen staff, the job requires effective communication to get the job done and to stay safe. He is hard of hearing and needs to use hearing aids.

“I need to be able to hear and understand instructions properly in order to ensure orders go out correctly, to ensure safety for myself and others, to avoid any potential problems with allergies, to hear timers and alarms, and more. I am unable to read lips at work as everyone is required to wear a mask,” he shares.

“All employees use verbal cues in the event that someone is coming around the corner, someone is behind others, someone is carrying hot or sharp equipment, and any other safety prevention measures. A constant mix of noises in the background increases the need for hearing aids even further.”

When he needed new hearing aids and explained his financial situation to his audiologist, he was referred to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services.

“They helped me with the vast majority of the payment towards my new hearing aids,” Hunter says of WorkBC Assistive Technology Services. “I received a brand new pair of hearing aids that have increased my hearing quality more than any pair of hearing aids has ever been able to in my entire lifetime of wearing them.”

The new hearing aids have made a big difference in Hunter’s workday.

“The hearing aids have beyond exceeded my expectations. I am able to adjust different levels of volumes through my hearing aids. I can cancel out most of the white noise I used to struggle with, and amplify noises in front of me, such as co-workers speaking directly to me. I can hear sentences clearly and concisely, even through masks,” he explains.

“I no longer have to ask for repeated instructions from my co-workers and managers on duty, which has resulted in time saved on everyone’s part. I can hear important timers and alarms from any area of the kitchen with ease. I can navigate the kitchen more safely than ever now that I can hear verbal cues from co-workers if they are walking around with potentially harmful equipment.

“Being able to communicate with ease has made me feel like a normal person for the first time in my life.”

Hunter says he would “absolutely” recommend WorkBC Assistive Technology Services program.

“My life has 1000% changed for the better,” he shares. “I also am able to continue to remain financially stable with the help that the program has provided. I would have struggled and gone completely broke if I had to pay for the full hearing aids out of pocket, even if I went with the cheapest option. This program has saved both my life, mental health, and financial health in countless ways.

“This program has made dealing with this disability so much easier, and I can’t recommend it enough.”

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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, WorkBC Assistive Technology Services