Hearing Loss is commonly thought of as a condition that affects the elderly, but the truth is that people of all ages are affected. The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) reports that, of the 15 % in the US living with hearing loss, only around 35 percent are considered seniors. It is estimated that 30 million people in the US, under the age of 65 have hearing loss making it an issue for many people who are still of working age. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) reports that of the 48 million Americans who do report some degree of hearing loss, approximately 60 percent are either in the workplace or an educational setting. People with hearing loss are more likely to have less education, lower-income, and be unemployed or struggling to find more work when compared to their typical-hearing peers. It is important to address hearing loss in the workplace as an employer, a co-worker, or as someone who is struggling with an impairment as it can increase opportunities and productivity for all.
Communication in the Workplace
The key to a successful workplace no matter your occupation is good communication. Clear communication allows everyone to be on board at a meeting, in an industrial setting, or between co-workers. When hearing loss is present and unaddressed in the workplace it can cause simple misunderstanding which ultimately leads to economic losses for a company and individuals. Someone with untreated hearing loss will often have to ask for things to be repeated, and will pretend to understand something they did not. This can lead others to feel that this employee is disinterested, incompetent, distracted, or confused. It is important to understand that hearing loss is a disability and is not attached to intellect. When someone is given the chance to hear and understand what is said the playing field is leveled so everyone can join in.
Employment and Economic Costs
As of 2014, BHI reported that nearly half (47%) of those who reported hearing loss of working age were not in the labor force. This may be due to issues with communication which lead to greater difficulties in employment transition and career development when compared with those with normal hearing. Alarmingly, BHI reported that untreated hearing loss has the potential to decrease annual income annually by on average $30,000! Conglomerative, this could cost society, annually an estimated $26 billion in unrealized federal taxes; and an estimated aggregate yearly income loss of $176 billion due to underemployment.
Treating Hearing Loss
While hearing loss is most often a permanent condition, hearing aids can make a significant difference. BHI reports that hearing aids have been known to reduce the risk of income loss by 90 to 100% for those with milder hearing loss, and from 65 to 77% for those with moderate to severe hearing loss. These tiny electronic devices fit in the ear canal or around the ear and amplify the specific sounds an individual struggles with. This can mitigate the confusion in communication, in a busy or loud working environment. It can help you stay connected to conversation and meetings, as well as enhance alertness and safety in more industrial environments.
Disclosing Your Hearing Loss
It’s important to remember that just because you have a hearing loss, doesn’t mean you can’t do your job. You just need to treat your hearing loss and let people know you may need just a few adjustments to succeed. Let people know you have a hearing loss. It gives you a chance to ask for what you need to do your job effectively and safely. When you are open about your hearing loss it keeps your disability from defining who you are. Instead, it helps you move past it into a place where you can feel as equally equipped to do your job as everyone else in your working environment.
Accommodations in the Workplace
Hearing aids are just one step into making your place of employment a place where you can hear and succeed. If your workplace is noisy, move to a quieter location. Request that large meetings be accompanied by a visual aid and ask that important updates be delivered in writing. Remember that you may not be the only person in your workplace who struggles with hearing loss and making these requests can empower others as well. To find out more about what can improve your working environment with hearing loss, schedule a hearing exam test today.