Speech 2 Screen​

“Although deaf in one ear for many years, this had little impact on my ability to perform in my current role and previous role as a social work team manager. However, the loss of hearing in my other “good” ear in May 2012 has had a major impact on every aspect of my life. In the space of 3 days I went from hearing pretty well to not hearing at all. The diagnosis: permanent and profound hearing loss, cause unknown. I struggled for a few months with hearing aids and then had a right side cochlear implant in December 2012.

 

Until I was fitted with hearing aids the only way that staff, colleagues, friends and family could communicate with me was by writing or typing. I had no BSL or lipreading skills and I still relied heavily on written communication.

 

I read about Access to Work funding and ENTs on the Action on Hearing Loss website and was very quickly assessed by the DWP for support. Initially, I could not have functioned at work without the support of an ENT; my first experience was with Meriel which made such a difference!  I still require ENT support for larger meetings, for staff meetings, training events, internal council, management and external meetings, some of which I chair.

 

The ENT support helps me follow what different participants are saying and supplements what I can now hear with my implant. The notes received later are also invaluable, particularly when producing meeting notes for attendees.

 

The equipment that ENTs use is portable and flexible to the type of meeting environment, although I find it is best if I have warned the hosts/chairs of the meeting that I will be accompanied by a notetaker and need power, table etc.

 

I advise meeting organisers that attendees need to speak clearly, one at a time so I have more chance of hearing, and the note taker can better record what is being said. I am always slightly behind the flow of conversation, and people who regularly attend meetings with me do wait for me to catch up.

 

Using a small team of notetakers means that they are becoming familiar with register office language and terms. I have to be much more organised with my diary, because notetakers are very busy and need to be booked well in advance. Meetings called at short notice cause me problems.

 

 

The ENTS are discreet, responsive, supportive, efficient and totally reliable. I am very grateful for all the assistance that my 'team' have offered me.”