I look back on my return to work and wish I had asked for more accommodations. Following my profound sudden hearing loss in my left ear, I took several months to recover and adapt to my new sound levels. My hearing loss didn't come alone; it was accompanied by constant tinnitus , noise sensitivity (hyperacusis), and balance problems , including subsequent diagnoses of Meniere’s disease and vestibular migraine ....
No actionable clinical change — this is a first-person advocacy narrative, not clinical guidance; audiologists may share it as a patient resource for workplace self-advocacy.
First-hand accounts of navigating workplace accommodations after sudden hearing loss can help audiologists better counsel newly diagnosed patients about real-world challenges.
- 01Personal narrative from a coach who experienced profound sudden hearing loss and tinnitus.
- 02Covers the emotional and practical challenges of returning to work with new hearing loss.
- 03Highlights the importance of self-advocacy when requesting workplace accommodations.
- 04Offers lessons learned rather than evidence-based recommendations.
- 05May serve as a relatable resource for patients newly adjusting to hearing loss.
