My workplace is a noisy one ! I love the ebb and flow of the
charged conversation of creative minds. It is a lively environment where
everyone is encouraged to communicate with words. We are in a service and
knowledge based economy and good communication is such an essential for success
in business today!
When I first realized I was losing my hearing I was devastated. In the beginning I ignored it,cleaned out my ears after every shower …it must be wax I thought ! I was straining to hear as voices diminished, having a conversation with colleagues became embarrassing devoid of the banter we had before ....punctuated with ‘sorry’, they were perplexed at my blank expressions. It was having a physical toll on me as well … headaches, neck muscles tensed and stressed. I was fatigued and distressed. It was affecting my productivity. I was not able to communicate effectively anymore …. it was difficult to receive and interpret auditory information from computers and other machines The workday was long, unproductive and hard. My deteriorating self-confidence at a low,I could feel my blood pressure rising. I was irritable and awkward ! Inside I was in a panic. As my hearing deteriorated further it was certain that I was not doing my job well anymore. It was possible that I would lose my job ….. So was my life in terms of my career over!?
It all came to a head one day during a video presentation with a client. I could not hide my hearing loss anymore …. I could not take part in the discussion. I did not have the confidence to present my views … if I did not hear the queries, how would I reply! All my valuable experience and expertise had come to nought. My hearing loss now out in the open …. my disability was exposed ! Also, I had become a risk at the workplace …. I would not be able to hear the announcements or alarms in case of a fire or an earthquake !
My employers are exceptional … they gathered around me in support. Of course I was chided … have you not heard of Amplifon!? So here I am now fitted out with the latest in hearing aids … I am again able to function in my work environment, participate in video conferences, in face-to-face meetings and join my colleagues in the Lunch Room once more! I wish I had not kept my hearing loss a secret for so long. Modern technology creates miracles in our lives, something our grandmothers did not have the benefit of to improve their quality of life.
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