According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, around 15% of American adults (about 37.5 million people) aged 18 and older report some degree of hearing difficulty. Given this statistic, it’s likely that you work alongside someone who has hearing loss. Here are some ways you can help create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for them.
Make Sure They Feel Included
It’s important to ensure that your coworker with hearing loss feels included in both work-related and social activities. A small gesture like inviting them to lunch or repeating a joke when they look confused can make a big difference. Group settings—such as team meetings—can be especially challenging for someone with hearing loss, as it can be hard for them to follow the conversation. If you’re leading a meeting, consider using visual aids to help your coworker stay engaged.
Practice Patience
Communicating with a coworker who has hearing loss might require extra effort, such as repeating yourself more frequently. The key is to stay patient and avoid showing frustration. With just a bit of patience, you can engage in meaningful conversations that help strengthen your relationship with your coworker.
Use Effective Communication Techniques
Employing communication strategies can help conversations go more smoothly. Here are some helpful tips:
- Speak at a slightly slower pace and enunciate more clearly than usual, but keep your tone natural.
- Face your coworker directly while speaking.
- Say their name to get their attention before starting a conversation.
- Avoid speaking while eating or chewing gum.
- Try to converse in well-lit environments where facial expressions and lip movements are easier to see.
- If they don’t understand something, rephrase instead of just repeating the same words.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
It’s perfectly okay to ask your coworker how you can improve communication. For example, you might ask if there are specific strategies that would make conversations easier for them or inquire about how their hearing aids function. However, it’s important not to let this be the only focus of your conversations—remember to talk about other topics, too!
Avoid Making Assumptions
If your coworker doesn’t always engage in conversations in the break room or opt to stay in their hotel room during work trips, it’s essential not to label them as anti-social or unfriendly. It’s possible they’re experiencing listening fatigue, which can be common in environments with a lot of background noise, like a happy hour. Even though they might want to join in, the noise can be overwhelming.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact Audiology Associates of Redding today.