Catherine's story: A lifetime of adapting

Catherine was born in England with hearing loss and was diagnosed at the age of five.

Growing up, Catherine often had to work hard to piece conversations together. She relied on lip reading to help her understand what was being said — but not everyone made that easy. Some teachers would not face her when speaking. As a teenager, she even remembers one teacher deliberately putting his hand over his mouth, knowing she used lip reading to follow conversations.

Experiences like this had a lasting impact. Catherine wanted to be like everyone else, and for many years she tried to hide her hearing loss — something she now recognises often made life harder. With more understanding and support, things could have been different.

Working as a nurse with hearing loss

Catherine believes workplaces can make a big difference by paying attention early and asking the right questions. When someone discloses hearing loss or another disability, employers should ask what would help that person do their role well.

For Catherine, many of the most helpful adjustments would have been simple. Facing her when speaking. Getting her attention before beginning a conversation. Not walking away while talking. Reducing background noise where possible. Providing written notes or summaries after meetings. Offering support with phone-based tasks, such as amplification or text-based options.

These changes are not complicated, but they can make a real difference to confidence, inclusion and performance at work.

She also encourages people not to become frustrated when others do not understand deafness or hearing loss straight away.

“Gently educate them, tell them what helps and thank them for being considerate,” she says.

At one point in her career, Catherine spoke to her colleagues about what helps people who are hearing impaired or deaf. Although she did not enjoy speaking in front of a group, the session was well received and helped her feel supported.

Don't assume, ask

One of Catherine’s clearest messages is that people should not make decisions on behalf of Deaf or hard of hearing people without asking them first.

She remembers a social situation where someone chose not to include her because they assumed hearing loss would make it difficult or uncomfortable for her to take part. Catherine only found out afterwards.

“I felt hurt and very peripheral,” Catherine says. “Don’t assume — ask the deaf person what they would be comfortable with. Let them make the decisions themselves.”

For Catherine, this is one of the most important lessons people can take from her story. Hearing loss is often invisible, but assuming what a person can or cannot do can be deeply excluding.

“We’re ‘normal’ too. We do normal jobs,” Catherine says. “We don’t need excuses making for us.”

Finding her voice

Now retired and almost 70, Catherine says age, better hearing through her implants, and lived experience have helped her find her voice. After many years of trying to hide her hearing loss, she now encourages others to speak openly about what they need.

“After a lifetime of deafness and at the grand old age of almost 70, I am finally learning to speak out, say how it is, but in a friendly way which makes people want to help,” she says.

Her message to others with hearing loss is to be upfront, positive and clear about the support that helps. Whether at work, with friends, or in everyday life, speaking up can open the door to better understanding.

Inclusion starts with small changes

Catherine’s story shows how much difference the right technology can make. But it also shows that technology is only one part of inclusion.

A teacher facing the class. A colleague providing meeting notes. A manager asking what support would help. A friend extending the invitation and letting Catherine decide for herself. These small actions can have a big impact.

For Deaf and hard of hearing people in the workplace, inclusion often begins with awareness, respect and simple communication changes. Catherine’s story is a reminder that no one should have to work harder simply to access the same conversation.

Through our workplace education programmes, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Foundation helps organisations understand hearing loss, Deaf awareness and practical accessibility — so more people like Catherine can feel respected, supported and able to thrive at work.