Basic listening skills become especially crucial in social and professional settings. Effective listening enables us to detect and identify environmental sounds, discern the location and source of sounds, and, most importantly, perceive and comprehend oral communication.
In real-life situations, an individual's ability to listen can be influenced by various factors such as ambient noise, overlapping sounds, and indoor acoustics. These factors can pose challenges to individuals with healthy hearing and become particularly challenging for those with hearing loss.
Hearing Loss In The Workplace
Harmful noise constitutes a significant issue in the workplace. According to reports from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States, approximately 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in their work environments each year. In fact, one of the most common occupational injuries in the United States is noise-induced hearing loss. This peril continues to plague workplaces, with thousands of workers facing entirely preventable permanent hearing impairment.
The statistics are staggering. Since 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal agency, has reported that nearly 125,000 workers have suffered permanent hearing loss due to exposure to harmful noise in the workplace. In just the past year, over 21,000 cases of severe hearing loss could have been prevented.
The most likely occupations to lead to hearing loss include:
Certain occupations inherently involve activities that can be harsh on the ears, such as construction, gardening, or woodworking. However, this scenario can occur in any workplace where machinery or equipment generating noise is used, including professions like hairstylists, daycare professionals, or waitstaff. While using heavy machinery doesn't necessarily lead to hearing loss, it's essential to take necessary precautions to safeguard our ears.
If hearing loss has already occurred, what problems will we encounter and how can we improve it?
Hearing loss caused by noise exposure can occur suddenly or gradually over time. It can start at any age and accumulate over time, often without us realizing until someone tells us that we are experiencing deterioration. One of the most common symptoms to notice and be particularly vigilant about is the presence of ringing or noises (known as tinnitus) even without external factors or pain. Working in noisy environments not only affects your hearing but also strains your throat, as you need to raise your voice, leading to insomnia, behavioral changes such as increased aggression or irritability, and even decreased sleep quality and attention span.
When assessing the intensity of noise, it's important to consider a range of factors such as distance from the noise. The proximity of a machine working right next to our ears versus one working a meter away makes a difference.
Communication barriers in the workplace
Noise: One of the most commonly mentioned communication issues in the workplace is background noise. For individuals with hearing loss, noise is one of the biggest obstacles they face in their work environment.
Miscommunication: Employers, managers, and even colleagues can be another barrier for individuals with hearing loss. Employers express concerns about communication difficulties and safety-related issues. Managers and coworkers sometimes question whether their work performance is sufficient. Addressing these issues through appropriate hearing aids often leads to increased workplace satisfaction.
Stigmatization: Workers with hearing loss often face significant pressure due to concerns about appearing incompetent, shy, and inferior. They repeatedly conceal and delay treatment for hearing loss.
Here are some technologies to make work easier:
Hearing Aids: For most people, using hearing aids can be highly effective. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to adapt to using them. ELEHEAR offers the latest AI OTC Bluetooth hearing aids for individuals with all types of hearing impairments. With just three weeks of use, you can experience a completely different hearing experience. ELEHEAR also offers a free trial service for those unsure of the benefits, with hassle-free returns and refunds if unsatisfied.
Directional Microphones: In meetings, besides hearing aids, you may benefit from other aids. Directional microphones can eliminate background noise, making it easier for you to hear the speaker.
Captioned Telephones: These devices translate speech into text displayed on the screen connected to the phone, aiding communication.
Bluetooth Technology: Bluetooth connectivity allows you to seamlessly connect your phone directly to your hearing aids. This technology links your hearing aids to Bluetooth-enabled devices like TVs, tablets, and more.
If you experience difficulty hearing at work, consult a trusted hearing health professional. ELEHEAR also provides free online hearing test for your convenience.