How Can Hearing Loss Impact Job Performance?

Experiencing any degree of hearing loss can be an uncomfortable or even devastating experience without the proper attention and treatment. In addition to social discomfort, hearing loss can have a negative effect on job performance and pay.

Weakens Work Relationships

Having healthy, open relationships with co-workers is an important part of any job, for multiple reasons. In addition to affecting how much someone enjoys work, having strong work relationships can mean better communication, improved teamwork, and increased efficiency. Those experiencing hearing loss may find that their relationships are disrupted in or out of a work environment due to difficulty communicating and reduced self-esteem.

Affects Confidence

The way hearing loss affects confidence levels is an oft-overlooked conundrum, but it is also one of the most important ways it can alter the workplace experience. Having confidence can make workers more comfortable interacting with their co-workers, asking to take on more tasks, and having proper communication skills. Second-guessing and social discomfort can not only make those with hearing loss experience lack of confidence at their work, but it may also mean they are passed over for promotions or opportunities that may be reserved for high-confidence "go-getters."

Reduces Earning Potential

It can be extremely difficult for someone to perform their best at work without also being able to hear as well as they used to, and performing below their full ability may mean being passed up for promotions or other higher-paying opportunities. According to a study by the Better Hearing Institute (BHI), using hearing aids in the workplace reduced the risk of income loss by up to 77 percent for employees experiencing severe to moderate hearing loss, and could reduce this risk by up to 100 percent for those experiencing milder hearing loss. Alarmingly, a study by the National Council on Aging showed that one group with severe hearing loss was paid $31,000 less per year than hearing aid users in the same demographic.

Difficulty Finding Work

In addition to having difficulty performing to the highest capability while experiencing untreated hearing loss, it may be harder to find employment in the first place. In fact, the same study by the BHI found that individuals with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to find employment than those who opt not to use hearing aids. Most jobs require verbal communication to work well with co-workers, the public, and supervisors on a daily basis.

The Benefits of Hearing Aids

In addition to increasing confidence and comfort at work, these studies suggest that using hearing aids may significantly increase income. Those who believe hearing loss may be affecting their quality of work or their ability to work should have advanced hearing testing to determine the next steps they should take.

Experiencing hearing loss can be alienating and discouraging in and out of the workplace, but the right hearing aid can help mitigate or possibly even eliminate these barriers. Absolute Hearing Solutions can evaluate your hearing and help determine which treatments may best improve your ability to hear. For more information about hearing loss or Absolute Hearing Solutions' services, read about our evaluations, learn more about hearing loss terminology, 

To schedule a comprehensive hearing exam, please call ABSOLUTE HEARING SOLUTIONS today at 614-654-4309. Our professional hearing experts bring modern hearing testing, economical digital hearing aids and satisfaction guarantees to the next level! Our office is located at 750 Cross Pointe, Suite F, Gahanna, Ohio. We provide clients with hearing exams, high-quality digital hearing aids, and personalized hearing services you can trust.