CI in a work context
It’s been a while since I’ve written something here – mainly because I haven’t had much new to tell regarding CI. The last months I haven’t had time or energy to write. I completed my Master’s thesis in the end of March, and early May I was so lucky to get my very first job!
Where I work, at Karl Johans gate in Oslo (from Google Maps)
Since May I’ve been working as web developer at TV 2 (Norwegian TV channel), and I enjoy myself greatly. It’s an exciting working place with many challenges, including challenges in hearing. All of a sudden I had to relate to lots of unknown people in many different situations. But it goes very well, even though I do not use an interpreter or any technical remedies! The only exception is the nemesis of all hard of hearing people: the canteen where we have our lunch. The canteen resides in a large hall with an open kitchen and a lot of people talking simultaneously. This is where I feel the voices are being blended with each other, but with a few repetitions and some luck I understand most of it.
So far I have had almost only positive experiences being hard of hearing in a work context. My colleagues were informed of my hearing issues before I started working there, and they are handling it well. They don’t get annoyed if I in a meeting ask if we could close the window because of the noise outside, or when I ask them to repeat what was recently said so I can be sure I got it right. Completely different from what I experienced at the University!
I have to admit I get a great feeling of achievment to manage at work without any help, even though it can be difficult at times. And I know that I wouldn’t manage half as good as I do now without CI. I’m looking forward to (and hope) I get CI no. 2, and I’m sure if I get CI on both ears, I’d manage even better. Including hearing in the canteen!
