Navigating Workplace Success with Hearing Loss: A Guide to Advocating for Accommodations

Workplace accommodationsWorking with hearing loss
Written By Carly Ann Sygrove

In my previous blog, I shared my journey of returning to work as an Early Years teacher after experiencing profound sudden hearing loss in my left ear, accompanied by constant tinnitus, hyperacusis, and balance issues. Despite my eagerness to return, I faced significant challenges and struggled to adapt to the noisy, dynamic classroom environment. I now realize that many of these difficulties could have been alleviated with proper accommodations, which I did not advocate for due to low confidence. My experience highlighted the importance of self-advocacy and seeking necessary support to manage hearing loss and associated conditions in the workplace.

Navigating the workplace with hearing loss can present unique challenges. Everyone’s experience of working with a hearing loss will depend on the person’s type of hearing loss, their type of work, and the impact their hearing loss has on their ability to carry out their role. Whatever the situation, being a proactive and effective self-advocate can make a significant difference.

Here I share a comprehensive guide for successful advocacy for hearing loss accommodations at work, with a deep dive into some useful assistive listening devices (ALDs): 

A list of the communication needs mentioned in this section

A list of the communication needs mentioned in this section.

1. Identify Your Communication Needs

Reflect on the communication challenges you face at work due to your hearing loss. Do you struggle with background noise during meetings? Perhaps you have trouble following conversations during video calls? It can take time to figure out your needs, and you may not initially know what accommodations are necessary. Understanding your particular needs will help you pinpoint the exact accommodations that can support you in carrying out your role to the best of your ability.

Some possible accommodations include:

  • Get my attention before speaking to me

  • Face me when speaking to me

  • A desk where I can see when someone is approaching 

  • Quiet workspaces or noise-cancelling headphones

  • Short listening breaks

  • Minutes from meetings

  • Captions enabled on video calls, training videos, webinars, etc.

  • Email communication for when meetings are not essential

  • People speak one at a time during staff meetings

  • Access to sign language interpreters or captioning services

  • Deaf Awareness Training for colleagues

A list of the assistive listening devices mentioned in this section, highlighted in light blue brush strokes.

2. Explore Assistive Listening Devices and Technology

An assistive listening device (ALD) helps people with hearing loss by amplifying sound and reducing background noise to enhance their hearing experience. These devices can be useful in challenging listening environments, where conventional hearing aids might struggle, such as in large rooms, noisy environments, or when there is a significant distance between the speaker and the listener. ALDs can be particularly useful in the workplace for improving communication.

Here are some types of ALDs that you may find beneficial:

Personal Amplifiers 

A personal amplifier is a small, portable device that enhances communication by amplifying sound directly to the user's ears, making it easier to hear conversations, meetings, and presentations amidst background noise. They consist of a microphone, amplifier, and headphones or earbuds.

They use a microphone to capture nearby voices and transmit them wirelessly to your headphones or earbuds, meaning you can hear speech more clearly. This can help you actively participate in discussions and follow instructions accurately.

Sound-Enhancement Apps 

You may also want to experiment with using Sound-Enhancement Apps on your smartphone. These apps amplify and clarify sound to improve hearing for people with hearing loss. They can adjust frequencies, reduce background noise, and enhance speech clarity, making it easier to understand conversations. 

They typically work by using your smartphone's microphone to capture environmental sounds. The audio is then processed with algorithms that enhance speech frequencies and reduce background noise. The adjusted sound is sent to your headphones or earbuds, where you can customize settings such as volume, listening modes (like speech enhancement or noise reduction), and fine-tune options based on your hearing profile.

Some examples of sound enhancement apps and features include the following:

Sound Amplifier (Android), Sound Amplifier (iOS), Live Listen (iOS), and HeardThat (which works with both Bluetooth earbuds and hearing aids.)

Hearing Loops and Telecoils

Hearing Loops (also known as induction loops or simply loops) are designed to assist people with hearing loss by transmitting sound directly to hearing aids/implants equipped with telecoils (T-coils), which are small metal coils inside hearing aids and implants.

These systems use loops of cable placed around a specific area to emit an electromagnetic signal that carries sound from an amplifier, such as a microphone or television. The telecoil in your hearing device picks up the sound directly, bypassing background noise and delivering clear audio tailored to your hearing device settings.

If you deal with face-to-face inquiries or need to communicate with colleagues at your desk, a hearing loop can be installed around your desk space, so that you hear the person speaking to you more clearly, with their voice streamed directly to your hearing device. 

Likewise, if your role involves meetings in a particular room, you may want to inquire as to the possibility of having a hearing loop installed around the room. 

You may also find a mobile hearing loop helpful. It’s a portable version of the traditional induction loop system, ideal for meetings or use in different rooms.

Alerting Devices

Depending on your degree of hearing loss, devices that provide visual or vibrating alerts for alarms, doorbells, and phone calls can help you stay aware of important sounds in your environment. 

Captioned Telephones

If your job involves making phone calls and you have trouble hearing them, a captioned telephone might be the solution you need. These phones can be used with or without hearing aids, and display real-time captions of the conversation on a screen, allowing you to read what the other person is saying while simultaneously hearing their voice. 

In the US, to obtain a captioned phone for work, people with hearing loss can contact a provider such as CaptionCall or Hamilton CapTel. After verifying eligibility and filling out an application, which may require documentation of hearing loss, the provider will schedule installation at the workplace. The phone itself may be free or discounted (for landlines). Some state programs offer reduced-rate or free captioned phones, along with delivery, installation, and training on how to use them.

In the UK, captioned telephone services are not as widely available as in the US. However, Relay UK is a free service that assists individuals with hearing or speech difficulties in communicating over the phone. It utilizes a live relay assistant to facilitate conversations.

Enhanced Telephones 

Amplified telephones increase call volume for easier communication, benefiting employees with hearing loss. 

T-loop phones (also known as telecoil or hearing loop phones) transmit sound directly to hearing aids with a telecoil, reducing background noise in busy workplaces. 

Bluetooth Devices

Check if your hearing aid or hearing implant can connect directly to your smartphone, computer, and other devices via Bluetooth, allowing for better sound quality and flexibility.

Bluetooth sound streamers for your PC or laptop wirelessly transmit audio directly to compatible hearing aids or headphones via Bluetooth. This can help minimize background noise and improve the clarity of virtual meetings, video conferences, and phone calls.

Wireless Microphones for Meetings

A remote microphone, clip-on mic, or partner mic wirelessly connects to your hearing aid or implant via Bluetooth. Clipped onto the speaker’s clothing, it captures their speech directly to reduce background noise and enhance clarity. Ideal for meetings and presentations.

Table microphones are also beneficial for group settings. You place the device centrally to pick up speech from all directions and stream it directly to your hearing aids. Devices like the Roger Pen from Phonak and Widex Sound Assist™ are multi-purpose devices and can be used for both one-to-one conversations and in group settings. 

Captioning Apps

Captioning apps, or speech-to-text apps for smartphones, transcribe spoken conversations into real-time text. This allows you to read what others are saying during meetings, calls, or presentations directly on your phone screen. Apps like OtterPilot™ use AI to record audio, transcribe meetings, take notes, capture slides, and generate summaries automatically for both Android and Apple iOS users.

Some other popular captioning apps include:

FM Systems

FM systems transmit sound from a speaker’s microphone directly to a receiver—such as hearing aids, implants, headphones, or earbuds—worn by the listener. This improves hearing in noisy or distant environments like meetings, conferences, and training sessions. It also enhances clarity in one-on-one conversations by delivering the speaker’s voice directly to the listener.

Apple AirPods Pro

Looking for a little hearing support but not sure you’re ready for hearing aids? Apple’s got you covered! Both the AirPods Pro and AirPods Max come with features that work like hearing aids, such as Transparency mode, Active Noise Cancellation, and Conversation Boost. These help you manage background noise so you can better hear conversations and focus on the person you are speaking to.

In September 2024, Apple introduced a "clinical grade" hearing aid mode for AirPods Pro 2, which received FDA approval as an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid. This new mode includes a hearing test and hearing protection feature, transforming the AirPods Pro 2 into the first software-based OTC hearing aids. This innovation offers a valuable tool for improving communication and focus in the workplace.

To explore workplace technology options, consult an audiologist who can recommend suitable accommodations tailored to your needs.

3. Consider Additional Support

Cartoon image of a man with a contemplative expression and one hand resting on their chin. Above his head are 2 thought bubbles with the following thoughts: “The option to work from home?” and “A flexible work schedule?”

Is there anything else that could help you perform your best at work that hasn’t been mentioned yet? For example, if you experience vestibular issues like dizziness or vertigo, a flexible work schedule or the option to work from home could help you manage your condition more effectively while still reaching your full potential in the workplace. Whatever accommodation you feel might be helpful, be sure to make a note of it, so that you have a clear understanding of what will benefit you.

Graphic of legal documents and gavel.

4. Understand Your Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have legal rights regarding workplace accommodations. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations so you know what accommodations you are entitled to request.

In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requires employers to provide “reasonable accommodations” for employees with disabilities, including hearing loss. Besides the ADA, there could also be state or local regulations offering further safeguards for employees with disabilities.

Similarly, in England, Scotland, and Wales, the Equality Act 2010 requires employers to make “reasonable adjustments” for individuals with hearing loss to ensure they are not placed at a “substantial disadvantage” in the workplace compared to hearing colleagues. In Northern Ireland, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, employers are also required to make “reasonable adjustments” for people who have hearing loss, so that aspects of work are not “impossible or unreasonably difficult” for someone with a disability.

How do you know if you’re protected by the Equality Act or the ADA?

If your hearing loss is mild and doesn’t significantly affect your daily life, you may not be covered. However, if it substantially impacts your ability to perform everyday tasks, you are likely protected under these laws.

Occupational therapists can evaluate workplace environments and recommend accommodations or modifications that enhance accessibility.

In the UK, organizations such as the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) carry out workplace assessments to identify accommodations to help people with hearing loss perform at their best. You might also be eligible for an Access to Work grant to subsidize employer costs for adjustments and specialist equipment. Access to Work is a government scheme that provides grants to cover or contribute toward accommodations and specialist equipment, such as assistive listening devices, for employees with a disability or health condition.

In the US, professional organizations such as the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) and the Hearing Loss Association of America HLAA) offer resources, advocacy, and support related to workplace accommodations for individuals with hearing loss. 

Graphic of 2 women having a meeting. One of the women is saying, “I need a few things to help me perform at my best.”

Graphic of 2 people having a meeting. One person is saying, “I need a few things to help me perform at my best.”

5. Speak With Your Employer 

Once you have determined the accommodations you need and understand your legal rights, it’s time to have a conversation with your supervisor, Human Resources (HR) department, or Occupational Health (OH) department, depending on your workplace and the organisation's employee support system. These departments often collaborate to ensure that appropriate accommodations are made to support employees with hearing loss effectively.

When requesting accommodations for hearing loss, it's crucial to present a well-prepared case to your employer. Explain how your hearing loss impacts your work and suggest specific accommodations that could enhance your performance. Approach the conversation confidently, highlighting how these adjustments will boost your productivity and help you perform at your best.

Employers may not be familiar with the types of accommodations available for hearing loss, so the more specific you can be about practical solutions, the better. It can be helpful to demonstrate exactly how certain equipment can support you in your role. For example, your audiologist may loan you a sample assistive listening device such as a table mic, and you can demonstrate how it enables you to take an active role in discussions. Providing this information can help your employer understand the feasibility and benefits of the accommodations. Be prepared to try different solutions until you find what works best for you. 

Additionally, if possible, provide documentation from your audiologist or healthcare provider that supports your request for accommodations. This documentation can strengthen your case and help clarify your needs.

If you're in the UK, you can begin by setting up a meeting to explore the accommodations available through the Access to Work scheme. This will include a workplace assessment to identify beneficial equipment. 

If your initial request for accommodations is denied or not adequately addressed, you can seek advice from your company’s HR department or consult external resources such as hearing loss organisations. 

Graphic of 2 people having a meeting. One of them is asking, “How have you been since our last meeting? Do you need to make any changes to your accommodations?”

6. Follow Up and Stay Engaged

After the initial discussion, make sure you follow up to ensure that your request is being processed. If your accommodations are approved, stay engaged with your employer to monitor their effectiveness. Your accommodation needs may evolve with your condition or with new technologies. If you need to adjust your accommodations, communicate them as soon as possible. 

Have regularly scheduled check-ins with your employer to ensure that the accommodations continue to meet your needs.

Graphic of 8 people of various ages in a circle with their arms around each other.

Graphic of 8 people of various ages in a circle with their arms around each other.

7. Seek Support and Resources

For ongoing support, consider joining support groups or connecting with networks for individuals with hearing loss, such as the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) and the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) in the US. Or, if you are based in the UK, reach out to the RNID or Hearing Link Services. For other locations, there are similar organizations worldwide. These organizations offer resources and advocacy support to boost your efforts in self-advocacy. They also provide advice and shared experiences to navigate workplace challenges effectively. 

Check out if there is a local in-person hearing loss support group in your area. Or, explore online support groups on platforms such as Facebook. It can be so helpful to connect with others who understand your experiences. In support networks, you can ask each other questions, offer advice, share stories, and exchange ideas on coping strategies and handling challenging situations. 

Final Thoughts

Navigating the workplace with hearing loss can be complex, but being a proactive self-advocate can make a significant difference. Successfully advocating for hearing loss accommodations at work requires preparation, confidence, and persistence. By understanding your rights, communicating your needs, and staying engaged with your employer, you can create a supportive work environment that enables you to thrive. Remember, advocating for yourself not only benefits you but also contributes to a more inclusive and accommodating workplace for everyone.

Get the Support You Need Today!

Need help navigating workplace accommodations? Book a free call to explore your options!

Carly Ann Sygrove
Next

Advocating for Workplace Accommodations: My Experience and Lessons Learned