Hearing Loss Needn’t Mean Job Loss

Hearing Loss Needn’t Mean Job Loss – 27th February 12pm – 1pm

With the right support, workplace adjustments and assistive technology, people living with hearing loss can enjoy productive and rewarding careers. However, as an invisible disability, it often goes unnoticed.

Hearing loss might be genetic, caused by an infection or trauma or, in adulthood, chronic diseases, certain medications and exposure to loud sounds can make individuals more susceptible. Unaddressed hearing loss can impact work and training leading to social isolation, loneliness and stigma.

We looked at the challenges at least 4.4 million people with hearing loss are of working age face and the available workplace and home-based solutions.

It is suitable for those working in occupational health, income protection insurance claims, vocational rehabilitation and wellbeing.

Your Speaker:

Kevin Harper

Specialist Hearing Loss Consultant

Kevin has been working with and on behalf of people with hearing loss since 1999.  He began in an advice and advocacy role and soon progressed into education and employment support for individuals and companies.

He has 23 years of experience in delivering benchmark visits and audits and carrying out workplace assessments. He has worked with a wide range of organisations, including schools and colleges, call centres, charities, the civil service, retailers, tourism and hospitality providers, law firms, insurance firms, the tech industry and hospitals.

He is a graduate of Queens University Belfast and possesses Stage 2 in British Sign Language. He holds a recognised teaching qualification and has experience in coaching and mentoring.

Kevin has a lifelong bilateral hearing loss; he wears two hearing aids and uses assistive equipment. Together with his professional knowledge, it is his personal, lived experience that gives him a real insight into hearing loss in education, employment and socially.