Employment issues
Once you are fitted with a cochlear implant, you may want to consider how this might affect your employment opportunities. You may want to think about changing your job or re-training to obtain new skills. It is possible that you are looking for work and are not sure what you would like to do.
The implant team will be able to offer advice, help and support if you are thinking about a career change or new challenge, including information about the Access to Work scheme which can help to provide equipment and/or communication support at work.
Alternatively, the following organisations may be able to help you to find the right job or training course:
Access to Work scheme
Access to Work can help to pay for equipment or any other support you may need at work because of your hearing loss or other disability. It can also help if you are looking for work or starting a new job.
Please note, you may not be eligible to claim Access to Work if you are claiming certain benefits.
Telephone: 0345 268 8489
Textphone: 0345 608 8753
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Work Choice
Work Choice is a government scheme that can help you get and keep a job if you’re disabled and find it hard to work. The scheme is voluntary. The type of support you get depends on the help you need, and could include training and developing your skills, building your confidence, interview coaching etc.
Learn Direct
For a range of online courses
Tel: 0800 101 901
Website: www.learndirect.co.uk
Benefits issues
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
As an implant user (if aged between 16 and 64), you may be entitled to claim the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). There are eligibility criteria which you will need to satisfy in order to claim this benefit. There are 2 components i.e. daily living and mobility. Please contact for information on payments.
Telephone: 0800 917 2222
Textphone: 0800 917 7777
Website: www.gov.uk/pip
Attendance Allowance
If you are aged 65 and over and need help with care you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance (AA). Again, there are eligibility criteria.
Tel: 0345 605 6055
Textphone: 0345 604 5312
Website: www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
The Disability Rights UK has a website which gives comprehensive information on both PIP and AA: www.disabilityrightsuk.org
Action on Hearing Loss
Action on Hearing Loss can give advice about benefits that you may be able to claim (as well as advice on equipment, rights, tinnitus, communication etc)
Tel: 0808 808 0123 (freephone)
Textphone: 0808 808 9000 (freephone)
SMS: 0780 0000 360
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk