…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
According to a survey conducted by Hidden Hearing, one in five employees has reported feeling worried in the workplace due to struggling with hearing difficulties.
The study, which polled 2,000 adults, also found that over a third of working adults (34%) find it difficult to make out what is being said in meetings.
This is due to people speaking in a quiet voice (33%), mumbling (36%), or background noise (38%).
Of those surveyed, 22% revealed that they suspect they may have hearing loss, which has left over a quarter (28%) feeling confused as they struggle to keep up with conversations at work.
The researchers also carried out a social experiment to simulate the experience of having hearing difficulties in the office
. Participants were fitted with specially moulded hearing plugs that partially blocked their ability to hear before being put in everyday office situations to see how it impacted their ability to interact with others.
Medical broadcaster and GP, Dr Hilary Jones, was present to witness the filmed social experiment in action.
He said that not being able to hear well in the office can dramatically impact the way you interact with others, affect confidence, and increase anxiety.
The research found that one in five workers struggle to hear everything said in important meetings, and even believe their hearing problems have held them back at work.
But just 41% would be prepared to flag their difficulties during the meeting.
Three in ten feel they work in an environment where health issues like hearing aren’t actively supported.
Commentary:
The findings of this survey are concerning, especially as they suggest that many workers are struggling with hearing difficulties in the workplace.
It is essential that employers take steps to support their staff, and create a psychologically safe work culture where people feel they can speak up and say when they can’t hear.
This includes providing quiet rooms and smaller meeting spaces for open plan office users to use when they need to, and not turning away to write on a whiteboard during a presentation while talking.
It is also crucial that employees do not ignore any changes in their hearing and seek a hearing test if they suspect they have hearing loss.
Providing hearing health check-ups and awareness sessions for all staff can also be a workplace benefit.
By taking small steps to improve hearing in the workplace, employers can reduce workplace stress, staff wellbeing, and improve productivity.