A good day at work may mean starting off with a fresh cup of coffee from Café Cesura, getting a good review from your boss and even finding accommodations for your hearing loss.
Hearing loss can make it challenging to understand your coworkers, drain your energy and lead to a more stressful workday. You can have a great day at work by employing some useful tips and tricks for hearing loss management.
Technology for Hearing Loss
Approximately 15% of U.S. adults experience some degree of hearing loss. One of the best ways to manage your hearing loss is by taking advantage of the helpful technologies available. Two hearing loss tools include:
- Hearing aids. Hearing aids have a microphone that collects sound, an amplifier that raises its volume and a speaker that delivers it directly to the ear canal. The small but technologically advanced devices can amplify speech sounds and reduce background noise, leading to clearer communication at work. Clearer communication will help you participate more fully in work meetings, after work drinks and leave you with more energy to enjoy the rest of your day.
- Speech-to-text software. You can use speech-to-text software during both virtual and in-person meetings. The software collects speech and transcribes it on the screen or device in front of you.
Workplace Accommodations
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires every employer to provide reasonable accommodations for those with hearing loss. Accommodations may include captioning software, written materials, printed scripts, an ASL interpreter, a qualified notetaker and more.
Discuss Your Hearing Loss
Discussing your hearing loss and asking for accommodations can feel a little uncomfortable at first. Taking time to remind yourself that your needs are important can help you feel empowered to ask for accommodations. Try starting small with your human resources hiring team or direct management. If you feel comfortable, move on to your close coworkers. Remember that disclosing hearing loss is very personal, and you can go at any pace you need.
To learn more about managing your hearing loss, contact Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic today to make an appointment with one of our trusted specialists.