Navigating hearing loss at work may seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. By identifying the areas where hearing loss is most likely to affect your work life and finding ways to manage them, you can enjoy your workday without unnecessary stress.
How Hearing Loss Affects Work Life
Often, hearing is something we take for granted. It’s not something we think about consciously; it just happens. But once you develop hearing loss, its significance becomes glaringly obvious. A few ways hearing loss can affect your work life include:
- Poor communication. Misunderstandings arise when you can’t hear every word during meetings or casual conversations.
- Missed socializing. With hearing loss, you may start to skip lunchtime chats or after-work hangs at Heaton’s.
- Mental fatigue. Constantly focusing on trying to understand speech can be mentally exhausting, leading to burnout and unnecessary stress.
- Trouble keeping up. Missing out on key details or struggling to follow instructions can create roadblocks to getting tasks done efficiently.
Managing Hearing Loss at Work
If you’re dealing with hearing loss in the workplace, it’s important to know you don’t have to face it alone. There are several strategies, accommodations and tools to help you manage the situation:
- Consider hearing aids. Hearing aids are a game changer for people living with hearing loss. They amplify speech and important environmental sounds to help you stay engaged in meetings, on phone calls and even at after-work social events.
- Share the communication load. Open up to your coworkers about your hearing loss. Request that they make a conscious effort to communicate clearly, like facing you when speaking, sitting you in a position where you can hear well or repeating or rephrasing information as needed. Communication is a two-way street, don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments when you need them.
- Ask for accommodations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers must accommodate workers with hearing loss. Common accommodations include a sign language interpreter, real-time captioning or written materials. Reach out to your HR department to discuss how accommodations can be set up for your specific situation.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to stand in the way of your career success. By using the right tools and strategies, you can continue to excel in the workplace. Contact Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today to explore hearing aids and communication strategies with one of our experts.