Young workers who are hard of hearing may be able to get support from their employer.

This is the opinion of Ruth Pollard, audiology information officer for charity RNID, who said that employers could take "reasonable adjustments" to help such employees.

Adjustments may include allowing them time off to attend lip-reading classes.

Ms Pollard stated: "So the young person, if they are employed, could be given time off work to do the course as well as possible financial support from the employer to do the course."

She went on to say that, if the programme costs more than £300, then Access to Work may support it, although this is something it would need to verify.

Access to Work exists to help people whose employability is affected by their health or a disability.

It provides both staff and employers with advice and support with extra costs which may be incurred because of their needs.