Kaeli works at a dog daycare, and she is also self-employed as a dog trainer. However, she has had hyperacusis — sensitivity to sound — all her life, as well as ADHD.

“I struggle to focus in busy environments at the best of times, and it was almost impossible for me to think clearly and maintain my composure in a noisy workplace with dogs barking all the time, not to mention my struggle hearing and communicating with my coworkers,” she explains. “By the end of a shift in that noise, I was exhausted — I was only able to work three days a week due to the fatigue.”

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Paula is a homeshare provider, providing support for two adults with disabilities who live with her. Her duties include providing a safe and comfortable home environment, preparing meals, and taking the people she supports to medical appointments.

“I have a hearing impairment that was getting in the way of hearing the people I care for in my home, and also in interactions with medical professionals, day program staff, family, and other individuals and groups involved in their lives,” she explains.

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John is a small business owner, running a local retail store in Vancouver. As the sole employee, he manages all aspects of the business, including opening and closing the store, engaging with customers, and performing administrative and financial tasks.

“I have a moderate to severe hearing impairment that has progressively worsened over the years,” he shares. “This difficulty in hearing has hindered my ability to serve my customers effectively, which had a negative impact on my business. At times, my hearing impairment has also caused frustration and anxiety when interacting with customers.”

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Sam is a self-employed tree fruit orchard producer in Kelowna, growing apples and pears on a small orchard. He has hearing loss.

“I believe this started sometime after a left a career in the local saw-milling business. I started noticing difficulty in deciphering audio from one ear and later on from both,” he shares, noting that his hearing loss made it difficult to communicate with his workers, as well as colleagues at crowded conferences that he attends for work.

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Ryan has worked as a letter carrier for over 20 years, serving the community of Oak Bay.

“I enjoy working outdoors and being a part of the community,” he shares. “I have moderate bilateral hearing loss. It impacts my interactions with customers on my route, and prevents me from hearing approaching vehicles (especially electric ones).”

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Linda works as a Certified Education Assistant in the Okanagan, helping students who need more support in the classroom.

She has hearing loss, which impacts her ability to hear instructions from the classroom teacher — she often has to check back with the teacher to confirm instructions. Since many of the children she works with speak quietly, she also has to lean closer to hear the students.

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Maria is a family court support worker. Her duties include intakes, referrals, providing emotional support, and accompanying clients during court hearings and meetings.

She has hearing loss, which makes it hard to hear in public spaces and during court hearings and meetings. In particular, she was having trouble hearing her clients when they need to speak quietly.

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Chessa works as a Health Care Assistant, providing home and community care for seniors.

She has Central Auditory Processing Disorder, which leads to misunderstanding and mishearing of conversations. She finds loud voices and quick speech difficult to hear, and can find directions difficult to follow.

Through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services, she received hearing aids, which have made a big difference in her workday.

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Jo-Anne works as the head merchandiser at a pharmacy in Invermere, and she helps out on the till when needed. In May, she had an illness which affected her hearing, something she is still recovering from.

“Because of the nerve damage, [problems with] balance, and hearing loss of my right ear, it has made my job difficult,” she shares.

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Mathilda works as a bookkeeper for a safety training company in northern BC. She has hearing loss.

“I do a lot of phone calls because of my work, and it was difficult to communicate, hear, and understand what people were saying,” she explains.

A friend referred her to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for help obtaining hearing aids. Mathilda applied, and was quickly approved for funding, getting the hearing aids she needs for work.

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