Barbara Kersley

I started to lose my hearing in my late teens. I found it very difficult to deal with, and because no-one could say whether or not I would lose my hearing completely I decided that I probably would. On this assumption I tried to achieve as as much as I could in my career over the next 10 years. I think the expression is "being in denial". Certainly there was no support whatsoever, either with career advice or with counselling.

I married in my early thirties, and went back to working part-time once my daughter and son started school - not in my chosen career of advertising, but in general administrative posts. It seems to me that most deafened people have a very hard time staying in the workplace, either trying to continue in their chosen field, or trying to retrain to do something that embraces their circumstances.

I was registered ‘profoundly deaf with speech’ at the age of 40, and divorce followed in my mid forties. In 2002 I had a cochlear implant operation and it has changed my life considerably, giving me much more self esteem and confidence.

I remarried in 2005, and with my two children and Peter's two children (who are both married) and three grandchildren, life is hectic.

I joined the NADP in 2005 and joined the EC the following year. I am a member of the London Street United Reformed Church. Time is limited at the moment for my voluntary work, but once I retire I shall become much more involved.

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