The cybersecurity sector is witnessing an increase in the participation of deaf and hard-of-hearing professionals, transforming the landscape of the industry. One prominent figure in this movement is Stu Hirst, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Trustpilot. Hirst began to lose his hearing in 2023, ultimately experiencing significant deafness by July 2025. Despite his challenges, he has established himself as a leader in cybersecurity, demonstrating that with the right support, professionals with hearing impairments can excel in high-pressure environments.
Hirst’s journey illustrates the potential for deaf individuals in the tech industry. He currently leads security strategies for a global organization and mentors teams on crisis management. His work relies on a combination of lip-reading, the use of powerful hearing aids, and real-time captions displayed on an iPad. These adaptations allow him to communicate effectively despite his severe hearing loss.
While Hirst’s achievements are notable, they highlight a broader issue within the United States. The employment rate for deaf individuals remains significantly lower than that of their hearing counterparts. According to the National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes, only 57.7% of deaf people are currently employed, compared to 73.4% of hearing individuals. This persistent gap of 15.7 percentage points has not improved over the past two decades, enduring economic fluctuations and legal advancements in workplace protections.
Despite these challenges, certain fields, particularly computer science and information technology, offer promising opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Research indicates that these sectors have some of the highest employment rates for this demographic. Factors contributing to this positive trend include the text-based nature of much of the work, the normalization of remote positions, and the fact that many job outputs, like threat analysis and incident reports, do not require auditory communication.
The argument for increasing the inclusion of deaf professionals in cybersecurity is not purely aspirational; it is strategic. Justin Pelletier, director of the Cyber Range and Training Center at Rochester Institute of Technology’s Global Cybersecurity Institute, emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity in the cybersecurity workforce. He advocates for proactive recruitment of individuals from various backgrounds and abilities, asserting that this diversity is crucial for effectively combating cyber threats.
In collaboration with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), RIT has developed a cybersecurity bootcamp tailored for American Sign Language (ASL) users. This 32-week program, valued at $15,000, is offered free of charge through scholarships to qualifying participants and prepares graduates for industry-standard certifications. The success of this initiative reflects the demand within the industry, as graduates have secured co-op positions with major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and General Dynamics Mission Systems.
Hirst emphasizes the importance of understanding the nuances of hearing loss, explaining that it is not solely a matter of volume. His sensorineural hearing loss complicates comprehension, making communication adjustments necessary. These adjustments include changes in phrasing and positioning to facilitate lip-reading. While these requests are reasonable, they require a shift in workplace culture and practice, which is often lacking for many deaf professionals.
The social aspects of Hirst’s career have also been affected. Networking events, which are essential for professional growth, pose significant challenges. He is currently exploring captioned glasses to aid in these situations but acknowledges that some events may be difficult or unattainable. “I have had to accept that some of these events will either be more difficult or, at times, simply not possible,” Hirst notes.
Despite his fortunate position, Hirst recognizes that many deaf professionals face a lack of support. Carrie Lou Bloom, Ph.D., from the National Deaf Center, highlights the ongoing mission to provide sustained access to education and training, ensuring that deaf individuals can compete effectively in the job market. The median annual income for deaf individuals working full-time is approximately $52,000, significantly lower than their hearing peers. This income gap highlights that challenges extend beyond initial employment.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has updated its guidelines regarding hearing disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), emphasizing modern technological accommodations such as Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) and captioning software. While this represents progress, it is only a partial response to the realities faced by deaf workers.
Programs like RIT’s bootcamps are creating new pathways into cybersecurity, specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing learners. Both Pelletier’s advocacy and Hirst’s experience underscore a critical conclusion: the cognitive diversity that deaf professionals bring to cybersecurity is a significant asset that the industry has yet to fully appreciate.
Reflecting on his journey, Hirst acknowledges the evolution of his leadership approach. “This journey has fundamentally changed how I approach my role,” he states, emphasizing that his commitment and capability remain intact. The need for clear communication, flexibility, and honesty has become increasingly important in his work.
Hirst’s story is a testament to the potential of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in cybersecurity. As the industry continues to evolve, embracing this diversity could lead to enhanced innovation and resilience, ultimately strengthening the cybersecurity landscape for everyone.
