u/Amal-2025

Hi everyone 🌸

I’ve applied for Access to Work and I’d really appreciate some advice about equipment, as I’m honestly not sure what to ask for or what would actually help me.

My job is mainly office based, but sometimes it gets quite noisy and I really struggle to understand people even when I’m wearing my hearing aids and lip reading.

At the moment I wear two hearing aids (Ambio S98), and soon I’ll be having a cochlear implant in my right ear. I’ve chosen the Cochlear Nucleus 8 (N8) so it works well alongside my hearing aid.

When I applied for Access to Work, I requested:
- Roger On
- Roger Shoes (to connect between my hearing aids and the implant)
- Roger Table Mic

But since I’ve never used them before, I’m a bit worried do I actually need all of these, or am I asking for things that might not be useful?

I also really struggle with phone calls. I try to avoid them because I can’t understand what’s being said at all, so I rely on live captions just to figure out who’s calling and what they want. Even then, it’s not always accurate depending on the caller’s accent.

I’ve also asked for travel support, as my commute involves two Underground trains and a bus. It’s quite stressful, especially when there are changes or cancellations and I can’t hear announcements I’ve had a few situations where I didn’t know what was going on.

They called me today and asked me to explain exactly what I need and how my hearing loss affects both my work and travel.

If anyone has experience or advice:
- What equipment would actually be best for my situation?
- How can I explain my needs clearly so my application doesn’t get rejected?
- Is there anything else I should ask for, especially with a cochlear implant coming up?

I’m honestly feeling quite anxious 😔 especially about the surgery and what things will be like afterwards how I’ll hear (as I know it can sound quite electronic at first), how I’ll manage work, and how I’ll commute with severe hearing loss in one ear.

Any advice or shared experiences would mean a lot 🙏
Thank you so much 💛

I need advice about a dispute on Vinted.

I sold a formal dress for £160. After some negotiation with the buyer, we agreed on the price. Before shipping, she asked for multiple photos of measurements and design details, which I provided. I also clearly stated the measurements in cm and (UK sizing), and she ask for return if the size not fit,, I told her to make sure before buying because returns are not accepted.

The dress was in excellent condition with no defects when I shipped it. I packed it carefully in a clear inner bag and an outer protective bag.

After receiving it, she opened a dispute claiming the dress is “damaged” and sent a photo showing a large circular stain (around 6 inches or more) on the stomach area, claiming it’s an oil stain and saying to me it’s the courier’s fault. And told Vinted the dress damage not like photo.

Now she is asking for a refund, and Vinted is investigating the case. I’ve already provided all the pre-shipping photos and proof that it was in perfect condition before dispatch.

I honestly don’t think the damage could have happened during shipping because the packaging was sealed and protected properly.

What worries me is: if Vinted decides in her favour, will I be forced to refund her and lose the dress too?

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? What should I do next to protect myself?