Adults with Hearing Loss at Higher Risk for Unemployment

In some areas of your life, hearing loss has a negative impact – it can raise the likelihood of depression and dementia and decrease the ability to communicate with others. Age-related hearing loss, which typically affects individuals over age 50 and becomes more prevalent among those over 75, can also affect your job prospects.

According to the Hearing Health Foundation, people with severe hearing loss have an unemployment rate (15.6%) twice that of the average hearing population (7.8%) and almost double that of their peers (8.3%) who use hearing aids.

It has consequences not just for job opportunities but also for your earning potential. Loss of hearing can cause those working to make less money annually. A 2012 paper published in the journal Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology explored the link between untreated hearing loss and lower salaries. The study concluded that people with hearing loss receive much lower incomes than those with normal hearing. A similar finding showed that people who have hearing loss are often more likely to be out of work.

Understanding Hearing Loss

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their ability to hear sounds clearly. This condition can range from mild to profound, and it can significantly affect one’s quality of life. Hearing loss can be caused by various factors, including age, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications. In some cases, it may also result from genetic conditions or birth defects.

There are different types of hearing loss, each with its own causes and characteristics. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem in the middle ear, such as a blockage or infection, that prevents sound from being conducted properly. Sensorineural hearing loss, on the other hand, is caused by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often resulting from exposure to loud noises or age-related changes. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.

Regardless of the type, hearing loss can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to communicate, socialize, and participate in daily activities. It can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety, making it essential to address hearing loss promptly and effectively.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Age-Related Hearing Loss

Age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, is a common condition that affects many individuals as they grow older. This gradual decline in hearing ability can begin as early as the 40s and 50s and is often exacerbated by exposure to loud noises and changes in the inner ear.

As we age, the hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals, begin to deteriorate. This degeneration can lead to a decline in hearing, particularly in the high-frequency range. Additionally, changes in the auditory nerve can affect the transmission of sound signals to the brain, further contributing to hearing loss.

Managing age-related hearing loss often involves the use of hearing aids, which can amplify sounds and improve communication. However, it is crucial to address hearing loss early, as untreated hearing loss can lead to further decline and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia.

Other causes of hearing loss include exposure to loud noises, ear infections, and certain medications. Loud noises from machinery, music, or firearms can damage the hair cells in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. Ear infections, such as otitis media, can cause hearing loss by damaging the middle ear or inner ear. Certain medications, including some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can also cause hearing loss as a side effect.

Preventing hearing loss involves taking proactive steps, such as wearing ear protection when exposed to loud noises, getting regular hearing tests, and avoiding medications known to affect hearing. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss can significantly improve communication, reduce the risk of cognitive decline, and enhance overall quality of life.

Why Do Adults Suffering Hearing Loss Face Higher Unemployment Rates?

Following Conversations

Coping with chronic hearing loss makes monitoring conversations at home and work arduous. You may have trouble hearing and struggle to follow lunch break conversations with coworkers or keep up-to-date on everything that happens at the office. You’ll also find it difficult to follow what was said during meetings or a one-on-one conversation with your employer.

Difficulty With Background Noise

If you have hearing problems, you’ll be unable to hear comfortably in environments with background noise, especially if you have been exposed to loud noise. Because of your hearing loss, your ears and brain can not distinguish between essential vocal sounds and loud sounds in the background. During talks or engaged in a call with a client who is in public, you can hear all these sounds simultaneously and have a tough time.

Poor Work Performance

When you are unable to follow instructions or attend meetings, you may not be able to do your best job, and workers with chronic hearing loss are more likely to make mistakes. Individuals with profound hearing loss may face even greater challenges in performing their job duties effectively. They are often ignored for promotions and are more likely to be fired.

What Can Be Done To Reduce The Rate Of Unemployment Among Hearing Loss Sufferers?

There are two ways a worker could be out of work: by getting fired, or by not getting the job in the first place. Attention must, therefore, be paid to improving the prospects of the worker in both scenarios. Let’s look at ways to help in both instances.

#1: Tips for those already in a job

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects workers from disability-based discrimination. If you have hearing loss, you are entitled to request accommodations. Damage to the inner ear can lead to hearing loss, but accommodations can help mitigate its impact on job performance. Your employer will work with you to ensure that you have everything you need to do your best work.

These are some of the accommodations you can ask for:

• Ask to move to a quieter corner of the office if you work in a noisy cubicle or office and the noise makes it difficult for you to concentrate when working or talking on the phone.
• Ask for meeting notes before a meeting so you can contribute meaningfully to the discussion.
• Ask during meetings to sit near the speaker or hear and understand what’s being said.
• Ask for any assignments and instructions in an email. This will ensure you are on the same page as your employer and clearly understand your duties.

#2: Tips for those who are interviewing

If you’re a job seeker, here are some ideas for acing the interview:

Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss may face unique challenges during interviews and should prepare accordingly.

Do Your Homework

Before the interview, ensure you have a clear understanding of the requirements and responsibilities of the job. Additionally, ensuring the ear canal is clear of blockages can help improve hearing during the interview, as blockages can lead to hearing issues like tinnitus.

Consider The Environment

Position yourself so that the speaker can be seen. If there are noise distractions, politely ask to move to a quieter area. Job seekers should position themselves away from sources of loud noise during interviews to avoid any detrimental effects on their hearing. Issues with the middle ear can affect hearing in noisy environments, so job seekers should position themselves accordingly. If you are wearing hearing aids, double-check that they are set to the right program before the interview.

Be Unapologetic And Open About Your Hearing Loss.

Consider offering details of how you coped with your hearing loss effectively at work. Being open and transparent during the interview can go a long way towards improving communication and helping both you and the interviewer feel at ease. Additionally, individuals should be aware of sudden hearing loss, which is a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing that may occur suddenly or gradually over several days. It is categorized as a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from a healthcare professional.

Workplace Accommodations

Supporting Employees with Hearing Loss

Workplace accommodations can significantly improve the work experience for employees with hearing loss. Employers can take several steps to support employees with hearing loss, ensuring they can perform their job duties effectively and safely.

Provide Assistive Technology: Employers can offer devices such as amplified telephones, hearing aids, and personal listening systems to help employees with hearing loss communicate more effectively. These tools can make a significant difference in reducing the impact of background noise and enhancing speech clarity.

Modify the Work Environment: Simple changes, such as installing sound-absorbing materials or providing quiet workspaces, can help minimize the impact of loud noises. Employers can also ensure that meeting rooms are equipped with hearing loops or other assistive listening devices to support employees with hearing loss.

Offer Flexible Communication Options: Encourage the use of email, instant messaging, and video calls with captions to facilitate communication. Providing written summaries of meetings and instructions can also help employees with hearing loss stay informed and engaged.

Educate and Train Staff: Raising awareness about hearing loss and its challenges can foster a more inclusive work environment. Employers can provide training sessions to educate staff on how to communicate effectively with colleagues who have hearing loss, such as speaking clearly, facing the person, and reducing background noise during conversations.

Regular Hearing Tests: Encourage employees to undergo regular hearing tests to monitor their hearing health. Early detection of hearing loss can lead to timely interventions, such as the use of hearing aids, which can significantly improve job performance and reduce the risk of unemployment.

By implementing these accommodations, employers can create a supportive and inclusive workplace that empowers employees with hearing loss to thrive.

Hearing Aids Are Always A Good Idea

With speech enhancement features and reductions in background noise, hearing aids make it easier to hear, whether you are in the interview stage or already at work. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids can help those with hearing loss excel at work, communicate comfortably with coworkers, raise incomes, and reduce the likelihood of higher unemployment rates among those with hearing loss. Hearing aids can also help manage permanent hearing loss and improve job performance.

Enticare

If you’re looking to improve your employment prospects with hearing aids, come and talk to us! We’re sure to help you find something that suits your industry and hearing loss needs. Individuals experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss should seek immediate professional help to improve their employment prospects.