Learn some tips and strategies to overcome the communication challenges of hearing loss at work. Find out how to request accommodations, use visual cues, be assertive, and seek support.

Hearing aids are often not enough for good communication in all settings. Other strategies are required. In Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss we share a trio of strategies to improve communication for people with hearing loss.

Whilst I agree with the sentiment of this, it puts all of the pressure back onto the person with hearing loss. I often wish that we were just better communicators. Live captions in meetings and seminars (online and in person) are possible. Microphones should be used in presentations. Agendas should be shared as just good business practice. If we implemented the communication tools we have available to us people wouldn't HAVE to inform others about their hearing loss if they didn't feel comfortable or confident enough to.

How can you help individuals with hearing loss communicate effectively at work?

Hearing loss can affect your ability to perform well at work, especially if you have to communicate with colleagues, clients, or customers. However, there are ways to overcome the challenges and achieve your career goals. In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to help you communicate effectively at work with hearing loss.

1 Know your rights

The first step is to know your rights as an employee with hearing loss. You are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for your needs. This could include assistive devices, captioning, interpreters, or flexible work arrangements. You should talk to your employer or human resources department about your situation and request the accommodations that would help you do your job better.

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王 Wang悦 Anna

Customer Success Manager | Empowering Home Healthcare Solutions for Every Family 🏠💼 | Passionate about Exceptional Patient Care 💙 #HealthcareSuccess #PatientEmpowerment
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Based on our experience with hearing aid users, selecting a hearing aid based on their individual hearing loss is just the first step in their journey to improvement. Regular consultations and support for both the users and their family members are equally essential to help them make the best use of the device.

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2 Plan ahead

The second step is to plan ahead for different situations at work that may require communication. For example, if you have a meeting, presentation, or training session, you can ask for the agenda, materials, or notes in advance. This will help you prepare and follow along. You can also suggest the best location, seating, and lighting for your hearing needs. If possible, you can also use technology such as video conferencing, email, or text messaging to communicate more effectively.

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3 Use visual cues

The third step is to use visual cues to enhance your communication. Visual cues can help you understand the context, tone, and emotions of the speaker. For example, you can use facial expressions, gestures, body language, and eye contact to convey and interpret messages. You can also use written communication, such as notes, charts, or diagrams, to supplement or clarify verbal communication. Additionally, you can use hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other devices that can amplify or filter sounds.

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4 Be assertive

The fourth step is to be assertive and advocate for yourself. Being assertive means expressing your needs, preferences, and opinions in a respectful and confident way. You should not be afraid to ask for repetition, clarification, or confirmation when you miss or misunderstand something. You should also inform others about your hearing loss and how they can communicate with you better. For example, you can ask them to speak clearly, face you, and avoid background noise.

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Emily Woodmansey

The Hearing Suite AIHHP Vice Chair
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Whilst I agree with the sentiment of this, it puts all of the pressure back onto the person with hearing loss. I often wish that we were just better communicators. Live captions in meetings and seminars (online and in person) are possible. Microphones should be used in presentations. Agendas should be shared as just good business practice. If we implemented the communication tools we have available to us people wouldn't HAVE to inform others about their hearing loss if they didn't feel comfortable or confident enough to.

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5 Seek support

The fifth step is to seek support from others who can help you cope with the challenges of hearing loss at work. You can join a support group, network, or organization for people with hearing loss, where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and find resources. You can also seek professional help from a career counselor, who can provide guidance, advice, and coaching on how to achieve your career goals with hearing loss.

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Shari Eberts

Hearing Health Advocate, Author, Speaker
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Meeting other people with hearing loss helped me feel less alone with my struggles. I also learned many tips and tricks from them for good communication in a variety of settings. I highly recommend seeking out hearing loss peers for camaraderie and support.

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6 Keep learning

The sixth step is to keep learning and improving your communication skills. You can take courses, workshops, or online programs that can help you develop your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. You can also learn new technologies, tools, or strategies that can enhance your communication at work. By keeping learning, you can increase your confidence, competence, and creativity.

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Shari Eberts

Hearing Health Advocate, Author, Speaker
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Hearing aids are often not enough for good communication in all settings. Other strategies are required. In Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss we share a trio of strategies to improve communication for people with hearing loss.

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Thais A.

Mestranda em Saúde da Comunicação Humana
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Algumas sugestões de como começar a melhorar a sua comunicação: - em família, encontrar maneiras de como ser entendido e melhorar o vocabulário; - no ambiente escolar ou de trabalho, quais as palavras / frases mais utilizadas no dia a dia; - em ambientes não muito rotineiros: utilizar a escrita como apoio.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you help individuals with hearing loss communicate effectively at work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your rights

2 Plan ahead

3 Use visual cues

4 Be assertive

5 Seek support

6 Keep learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Counseling

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How can you help individuals with hearing loss communicate effectively at work?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Know your rights

2 Plan ahead

3 Use visual cues

4 Be assertive

5 Seek support

6 Keep learning

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Counseling

Rate this article

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