Starting a new job always comes with a bit of stress and apprehension. If you have hearing loss, you may worry about how it might affect your ability to function in the workplace and communicate with your coworkers.
The good news is that there are several tips you can follow to make sure hearing loss doesn’t hold you back from finding success at your new job.
The Law Entitles People With Hearing Loss to Accommodations in the Workplace
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that employers make reasonable accommodations to enable applicants and employees with hearing loss unless doing so would be an undue hardship.
The type of accommodation will vary based on the individual, and not everyone with hearing loss will require the same help. Some examples of reasonable accommodations might include:
- Assistive technology like a captioned telephone, telephone headset, emergency notifications systems that use vibrations or strobe lights
- Assistive listening devices like a personal amplifier
- A sign language interpreter
- Work area adjustments, such as moving a desk to a quieter part of the office
Maximize Your Hearing at Work
In addition to asking for any reasonable accommodation that will make it easier to do your job, it can be helpful to try the following:
- Wear your hearing aids. Hearing aids help amplify the sounds you need and want to hear, suppress unwanted background noise, and many pairs even can connect to wireless technology. All these features make communicating at work easier, whether it’s during company meetings or lunch out with clients at Interurban Restaurant.
- Schedule a hearing test. If you’ve been struggling with your hearing but don’t currently wear hearing aids, schedule an appointment for a hearing test. The tests are quick and painless and offer immediate insight into the severity of your hearing loss and the best treatment options. Finding the right hearing aids or other listening devices can make a world of difference in helping you thrive at your new job.
- Be open about your hearing loss. Let your coworkers know about your hearing loss and share helpful communication strategies with them. This could mean asking them to always make sure they are facing you when they speak to you or making sure to tap you on the shoulder and get your attention before they start to speak. If you’re communicating remotely, ask if the video platform you are using has a live captioning service so that you can read along.
If you would like additional tips on coping with hearing loss in the workplace or wish to schedule an appointment, contact Hearing Care by Hough today.