In an evolving landscape, deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals are making significant strides in the cybersecurity sector. One notable example is Stu Hirst, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Trustpilot. His journey illustrates both the challenges and opportunities that exist for individuals with hearing impairments in this field.
Hirst began experiencing hearing loss in 2023, a gradual change that he initially managed with hearing aids and other adaptations. By July 2025, however, his situation escalated, leaving him unable to hear speech without assistance. “Without my very powerful hearing aids, I cannot hear speech at all,” Hirst explains. He now navigates his role using a combination of lip-reading, hearing aids, and live captions on an iPad, employing all three strategies simultaneously to communicate effectively.
While Hirst’s success story stands out, it reflects a broader trend in the IT and cybersecurity sectors where deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are increasingly entering the workforce. Yet, the overall employment landscape for deaf people remains challenging. According to the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, only 57.7% of deaf individuals are employed, compared to 73.4% of their hearing counterparts, a gap that has persisted since at least 2008.
Despite these statistics, certain fields, particularly computer science and information technology, show promise. These areas exhibit some of the highest employment rates for deaf workers, indicating a shift toward more inclusive opportunities. The structural aspects of cybersecurity make it particularly inviting. Much of the work is text-based and screen-driven, allowing for remote work and collaboration without reliance on hearing.
In a strategic move, Justin Pelletier, director of the Cyber Range and Training Center at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. “To become better at cybersecurity, we need more cognitive diversity in the workforce,” he states. RIT has partnered with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf to create a cybersecurity bootcamp tailored for ASL-using students. The program, now a 32-week professional bootcamp, is conducted entirely online and offered free through scholarships, preparing graduates for industry-standard certifications.
Hirst highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of hearing loss. He notes that deafness is not solely about volume but also involves frequency recognition and damage to the inner ear. These factors influence how he interacts with colleagues and how they communicate with him. “Deafness isn’t just about volume,” he explains, emphasizing the challenges he faces in comprehension despite using hearing aids.
Navigating the intricacies of workplace communication has required significant adaptation for Hirst. He advocates for reasonable adjustments, such as changing word order or allowing him to position himself effectively in meetings. Yet, the need for these adaptations can be challenging in a professional environment. “Disclosing my disability is not just about vulnerability,” he reflects, recognizing the necessity of being open about his challenges while maintaining his professional capabilities.
The social dimensions of Hirst’s career have also been affected. Networking events and informal gatherings, crucial for building professional relationships, have become more challenging. He is exploring technologies like captioned glasses to assist in these settings, but acknowledges that some situations may remain difficult or unreachable.
Despite Hirst’s supportive work environment, many deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals lack similar backing. Carrie Lou Bloom, Ph.D., from the National Deaf Center, emphasizes the importance of sustained access to education and training to ensure competitive opportunities in the workplace. The data shows that even when employed, deaf individuals often earn significantly less than their hearing peers, with a median annual income of $52,000 for full-time deaf workers.
As legal protections have evolved, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) now addresses modern accommodations for hearing disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These include technologies like Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) and captioning software, representing strides towards closing the employment gap.
Programs like RIT’s bootcamp challenge traditional pathways into cybersecurity by creating inclusive environments designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. Both Hirst’s experiences and Pelletier’s advocacy underscore the potential benefits of cognitive diversity in enhancing the cybersecurity sector.
Hirst’s journey has reshaped his perspective on leadership and crisis management. “I spend a lot of time mentoring my team on crisis management, and my experience has given me a new perspective on resilience,” he notes. For a CISO, the ability to communicate effectively during critical situations is paramount, and Hirst’s experiences have enriched his understanding of the demands of his role.
His insights stress the importance of clear communication, flexibility, and honesty in the workplace. “This journey has fundamentally changed how I approach my role,” he states, affirming his commitment and capability despite the challenges he faces. For Hirst, the evolution of his professional journey highlights the essential qualities of communication and adaptability, reinforcing their significance in a rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape.