Why should you be aware of hearing loss in the workplace?

Hearing loss is not a well-addressed topic in the workplace, which is why some people with hearing loss may be apprehensive and reluctant to discuss their hearing loss with their colleagues. It would be beneficial for business owners and the management team to address hearing loss in the workplace and make it acceptable and comfortable for employees to talk about their hearing loss, ask for support and communicate with their peers under more manageable circumstances. Why is hearing loss awareness important?

1. Your support can prevent isolation

Chatting away in a meeting or during a coffee break is?always?nice, as you can interact with your colleagues and bounce ideas off each other.?Still, if someone with hearing loss is part of the conversation and they cannot hear or clearly understand what you are saying, they are likely to withdraw from those social interactions, because they might feel uncomfortable, self-conscious, or simply because there’s no value in participating in the conversation. Social isolation from co-workers can enormously affect an individual’s mental health and ability to work?effectively. Your support can help them excel socially and professionally.

2. You create opportunities for growth and inclusion

Let’s face it, it’s beneficial to your team if they can expand upon their skillset and it also creates inter-departmental opportunities. If the members of your team who have hearing loss are not able to participate in training sessions or engage during meetings, it becomes challenging for them to thrive professionally, and can also be demoralizing.?You can make a difference by providing aides or assistive devices where necessary, ensuring that the correct technology is set up in meeting rooms and boardrooms to ensure that everyone can follow the material, and creating a supportive environment.

Social isolation from co-workers can enormously affect an individual’s mental health and ability to work?effectively. Your support can help them excel socially and professionally.

3. Encourage an environment of respect

Being aware of people with hearing loss in your working environment will develop a culture that allows employees to participate in all interactions. It’s a wonderful way to ensure your team members feel respected, understood, and included. Normalize good practices that support people with hearing loss and you will soon see the ripple effect it will have on your team, morale, and output.

When you interact with your co-workers again, put your awareness hat?on!