Jamie works in administration for a company, handling duties in finance and human resources. She has profound hearing loss.

“[I have] constant anxiety going into meetings, if my phone rings, if someone comes to ask a question or talk to me,” she shares. “[I have] headaches, fatigue. I miss instructions on work projects and often have to ask for clarification. This causes delays in my work, and anxiety and embarrassment. I miss things in meetings and have to ask later.”

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Eliana works as a lead drafter for a construction firm in the Lower Mainland. Her job involves working with drafting software, as well as managing her team and communicating with the fabrication department.

“I was born with hearing loss in both ears and since the age of five, I wore hearing aids. Without the right hearing aids, I would not be able to hear and understand other people’s speech,” she shares. “Right now, I am gaining more responsibilities at work. I [was] in need of brand new hearing aids that enable me to hear properly during meetings, one to one conversation, and making phone calls.”

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Nand works full-time as a janitor. He has hearing loss, which can make it difficult to communicate with his co-workers. His audiologist referred him to WorkBC Assistive Technology Services for funding for hearing aids.

“[Assistive Technology Services] helped me pay for hearing aids, which helps me keep my job,” he says.

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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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