Overcoming hearing loss to remain in the workforce
Having crystal-clear hearing at work is a must for Lori Davidson. She spends her workday answering phone calls and interacting face-to-face with patients at a Grand Forks clinic.
“I love working with people,” she said.
Three years ago, she noticed that her hearing started to change. It began impacting her work productivity, performance and efficiency.
“I was struggling to hear on the phone and had to ask people to repeat themselves to make sure I heard their information correctly,” she said.
Davidson is not alone. Last year, nearly one in four people who were successfully employed and received services from North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR) were deaf or hard of hearing, which impacted their job.
To continue working, Davidson knew she needed help. She made an appointment with an audiologist who did an assessment and recommended hearing aids, but the cost was too much and not covered by her insurance.
The audiologist then referred her to the Grand Forks VR office for help.
Workplace Win
Feeling down, Davidson immediately drove across town and met with a VR counselor.
Together, they completed an application and intake and reviewed the audiologist’s assessment to see if she qualified for the VR employment program, which helps people with disabilities find, keep or advance in a job.
The process was easy. On the same day, she left the office happy, and as it turned out, Davidson was the perfect candidate for the program.
“It was so nice to not have to struggle trying to figure things out by myself,” she said.
She received several employment services and VR was able to assist with a portion of the cost for the hearing aids, so Davidson could remain working.
With the hearing aids, she is now able to engage in conversations with confidence, which has positively impacted her work and quality of life.
“It’s an excellent program for anybody who wants to stay working,” she said. “It has been a godsend to me.”
To learn how VR can help with employment needs, visit hhs.nd.gov/vr.