Working in an office environment poses specific obstacles when you have hearing loss. Telephone communication, deciphering conversation from background noise, and missing out on important information during meetings are just a few of the challenges.
Here are a few tips to help you succeed on the job.
- Be open and honest with your supervisors and colleagues about your hearing loss.
- Help your co-workers communicate with you by providing suggestions, such as making eye contact with you before beginning to speak; not covering their mouths with their hands when speaking so that you can read their lips, etc.
- Find an ally. Develop a friendship with one or two associates who will make sure you don’t miss out on anything important.
- Ask for help when you need it.
Stay on top of your hearing loss with follow-up visits to your audiologist and routine maintenance of your hearing aids. And don’t forget that the staff at Hearing Associates is here to help with your communication needs.