September is Deaf Awareness Month and is personal for me.
How a bone conduction headset and a difficult conversation led me to advocate for workplace accessibility.
Three years ago, I underwent a craniotomy to remove a brain tumor. Thankfully, the surgery was successful, and I've been clear ever since. However, the procedure left me completely deaf in my left ear.
After I returned to work, I was still adjusting to what single-sided deafness would mean in my everyday life. One day, I was sitting in my cubicle, talking with someone on the phone using a standard headset that completely covered my right, hearing ear.
In the middle of our conversation, the person on the other end interrupted me and asked, "What is that noise? It sounds like a siren."
Confused, I took off my headset, only to realize the fire alarm was going off.
I hadn't heard it at all.
I immediately ended the call and evacuated the building. Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm, but that moment was a wake-up call. I realized I could no longer stay in denial about needing help. My safety depended on it.
After speaking with my audiologist and testing a bone conduction headset-which still amazes me because it works at all-I decided to submit an accommodation request.
It was the first request of its kind my employer had received. I found myself helping explain the difference between a standard, company-issued headset and a bone conduction headset, and why that difference mattered.
The request was approved.
What seemed intimidating at first turned out to be a collaborative conversation. More importantly, it allowed me to feel safe again at work, knowing I could hear alarms and other critical sounds in an emergency.
I share this story for two reasons.
- If you're an employee who needs a reasonable accommodation, don't be afraid to ask. The process may feel uncomfortable, but advocating for yourself is not a sign of weakness. It's a step toward ensuring you have what you need to succeed and stay safe.
- If you're an employer who receives an accommodation request, don't panic. Not every request is complicated, expensive, or difficult to implement. Sometimes, it's simply about listening, learning, and working together to find a solution.
My accommodation made a meaningful difference in my daily life and gave me peace of mind.
Sometimes, the hardest part is just starting the conversation.
