Hearing loss in the workplace

Hearing loss can require a little extra work, but it shouldn’t decrease your productivity or place any additional stress on your day. Most inconveniences stem from a misunderstanding, so open communication is key for effective relationships. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to speak clearly, or to look at you while they’re talking. Small changes to your work environment can keep the office running smoothly.

If you have hearing loss, and especially if you recently discovered your hearing impairment, you might need to give your coworkers and your boss a few tips on how to best communicate with you. If you’ve recently gone through a job change, there’s a good chance your new colleagues have not been exposed to hearing loss before. Once you make someone aware of your condition, you can both successfully work around it.

Wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants at work

Hearing aids work exceptionally well for most people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you're new to hearing aids, keep in mind it may take time to adjust to them in different settings, including at your job. Unlike eyeglasses, hearing aids require a "ramp-up" process to full-time wear that can take a few weeks. 

If you've given it a couple of months, and you are still having trouble adapting to wearing hearing aids for many hours of the day consult your audiologist for advice. She may be able to program the settings to work better for your typical working conditions, and she can be an excellent resource for recommending assistive listening devices (below).

People with severe to profound hearing loss may opt to receive cochlear implants instead. Once considered primarily for children, they are now widely used for adults, too. Like hearing aids, they offer directional microphones that make it easier for you to hear the intended speaker without background noise. This is especially helpful in meeting or conference settings where outside noise or people talking over one another can be an issue.

Assistive listening devices in the workplace

In an office setting, you may find that you need extra help beyond what your hearing aids or implants can provide. Assistive listening devices can help bridge the gap. 

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity

If your hearing aids or cochlear implants have Bluetooth, you can stream audio directly from a laptop or phone to your hearing aids. The same is true for devices that have MFi (made for iPhone). With the flip of a switch on your hearing aids, you can connect to a phone digitally and avoid interference that is common with hearing aids and telephones.

Caption apps, caption phones, amplified phones

There are many caption apps that provide voice-to-text translation in real time, via your smartphone. Also, captioned phones and amplified phones (landline devices) are both options for telephone conversations and conference calls. By being able to hear and see what the person on the other line is saying, you have a greater chance of clearly comprehending the conversation. Videoconference platforms like Zoom now offer captioning, too.

Remote microphones

Remote mics can be a 'godsend' for hearing aid wearers and cochlear implant users frustrated with background noise. Common in school settings, they can also be used in office settings or conferences.

Workplace communication tips 

You can do your part by letting your coworkers know some good ways to communicate with you in person. For starters, those with hearing loss tend to do better in person than over the phone, so when it’s possible, ask they come to your office instead of dialing your extension. That way, you can use context clues like lip reading, facial expressions and body language as an aid in conversation.

If an in-person visit is necessary, ask them to walk your line of sight if you aren’t responding to their attempts to get your attention. It’s less startling to see someone walk up to you than it is to be tapped on the back. In meetings and boardrooms, ask that they try not to speak when facing away from you, as in when they’re writing out bullet points on the dry-erase board. Talking while a person’s back is turned to you projects the person’s voice against the wall, making it difficult to understand even if you’re sitting close to the speaker.

More: Communication tips for talking to people with hearing loss

Office arrangements

Open-layout cubicles are not always conducive to people with hearing loss, because there is a lot of activity going on that can distract you from your work. Trying to have a phone conversation the same time as your coworker in the cubicle next to you is difficult enough with normal hearing. Ask to be put in a private office with a door, if available. This way you can shut out the noise and focus on your work, making you a more efficient and productive employee.

More: 3 tips for hearing better in challenging and noisy environments

Hearing loss and employment: What do the laws say?

Employers in the U.S. are legally obligated to provide an equal opportunity workplace under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including for employees with hearing loss. Workplace changes can include providing assistive listening devices and making other accommodations that smooth out any communication hurdles. Find out more about your rights in relation to ADA guidelines for the hearing impaired.

Federal resources on working with hearing loss

The US Equal Opportunity Employment Commission has detailed guidance on deafness and hearing impairments in the workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Via the US Department of Labor, the Job Accommodation Network also offers free guidance on job accommodations and disability employment issues, such as requesting and negotiating reasonable accommodations.

Resources from HLAA

HLAA has put together several fantastic resources for employees with hearing loss, including a very thorough employment toolkit that covers just about every issue an employee with hearing loss might encounter. They also have a page on hearing assistive technology.

Hearing loss due to work?

If you believe you've lost your hearing due to workplace conditions, see our pages on OSHA and hearing loss and workers' comp benefits for hearing loss. Work is one of the most common places people will be exposed to harmful levels of noise, which puts them at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). OSHA has a set of workers' rights meant to protect people from harm, including hearing loss.

Get help if you can't hear at work

If your struggling to hear at work, have your hearing evaluated by a hearing healthcare professional. If you have hearing loss that can be treated with hearing aids, buy the ones that fit your lifestyle and budget. If you are unable to afford the technology you need:

• Check with your employer to see if you qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation. To find what hearing health services are covered and if you qualify, visit your home state website or search the internet for “vocational rehabilitation” and your state name.
• Your insurance provider may cover a portion of expenses related to hearing aids and ALDs. You can also use health savings accounts for hearing care purchases.
• If you are a veteran, check with Veterans Affairs to see if you qualify for assistance.

More: Working remotely with hearing loss: Tips for virtual meetings