Coaching and Community Support for those who have hearing loss or tinnitus
‘Hear me Out’ is about exploring the emotional impact of hearing loss.
Countering the knock-on effects on confidence and self-esteem
Navigating hearing loss in the workplace, especially if you feel your career is being impacted
Supporting each other with the overall impact on your life and relationships
My Story
I spent years feeling stupid
I had started to notice that I was finding it hard to hear what people were saying, particularly at work. I would miss vital parts of a conversation and would feel a bit ‘thick’, as I was not following things when everybody else seemed perfectly able to. When the doctor informed me I had the hearing of somebody in their late 70’s I felt relieved as now there was a reason why I couldn’t hear properly.
Learning to cope
Over the years I have learnt to embrace the ever-evolving and wonderful technology to help me hear. To start with I felt self-conscious, particularly about my hearing aids. Nowadays everybody seems to be walking round with something hanging out of their ears, and the fact I had Bluetooth streaming to my ears way earlier than pods were the ‘thing’ makes me smile.
It isn’t always easy. I find noisy rooms particularly difficult, and I can feel lonely. I’ve had periods where my confidence has taken a kicking, I’ve worried about my future, and I experience bouts of grief.
I’ve learnt tricks and tips along the way, particularly how to cope at work. In a leadership role, I appreciate that I have advantages others don’t, and this fuels my passion to change things for others.
Supporting Others
I’m passionate about improving awareness and support in the workplace, as well as emotionally supporting those with hearing loss.
I’m fortunate to be on the board of RNID, which has done a lot of research into deafness and inclusivity and who work tirelessly to drive change.
When I was in my late twenties I was diagnosed with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Coaching Others
Becoming a coach was perhaps an unusual choice for somebody with hearing loss. You may wonder if I will be able to hear what you are saying!
My sessions are always held in a quiet space, and with the help of technology (such as captions) I can hear 99% of what is said, thankfully. If I need something repeated to make sure I heard it right, then I ask for it. I will make sure your needs are taken into account and adapt my sessions accordingly.
I’ve learnt that listening is very different to hearing.
Hearing is a medical condition, whereas listening is an art which many people have never really learned. We often allow our minds to wander, or are over focused on what we are going to say.
Active listening involves listening not only with my ears, but also my eyes, my memory, my brain, heart and my gut.
I have hearing loss, but I am an excellent listener.
If you have hearing loss or tinnitus and would like some coaching support, please do get in touch.
My coaching support could include exploring the emotional impact of hearing loss, countering the knock on effects on confidence and self esteem, navigating hearing loss in your work place, especially if you feel your careers is being impacted, or support with the overall impact on your life and relationships.
