Work Accommodations for Hearing Loss

Many people experience some degree of hearing loss as they age, often beginning in their thirties or forties. For some people, age-related hearing loss becomes severe enough to require some kind of medical intervention. This impairment can make many different kinds of job functions more difficult to perform, even with the use of a hearing aid. Fortunately, most employers are required to accommodate employees with any kind of disability, including hearing loss.

If you are experiencing problems at work or in your personal life related to hearing loss, a hearing aid can help you minimize the effects of your condition. To learn more about affordable, easy-to-use hearing aids, contact HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669.

What Are "Reasonable Accommodations"?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, workplaces with more than 15 employees are required to make reasonable accommodations for people with hearing loss and other disabilities. However, the term "reasonable" can be difficult to define. It will depend on your condition, your workplace, and the laws of the state in which you work. It is very important to know your state's policies on this issue.

Some accommodations that can be very helpful, and will probably be considered reasonable in most situations, include:

• Provide adequate lighting to enable speech reading
• Make listening devices such as amplified telephones or TTY phones available
• Make sure employees know how to speak clearly to a hearing impaired co-worker
• If possible, move the hearing impaired worker to an area with reduced background noise
• Provide note-takers or translators when necessary and feasible

If you are living with hearing loss, do not be afraid to speak with your employer about the types of accommodation you need. It is your legal right to pursue fair treatment at work.

Contact Us

If you are having difficulty communicating with co-workers, a hearing aid may provide the speech clarity you need. To discuss your situation with an experienced hearing aid consultant, contact HearingPlanet at 1-800-432-7669 today.