Hearing loss refers to reduced hearing. There are two main types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss may be temporary or permanent. It can be caused by something as simple as a buildup of earwax or an ear infection. Sensori neural hearing loss, which is almost always permanent and far more common, is most often caused by age-related hearing loss (Better Health Channel 2007).
Symptoms and characteristics
People who are hard of hearing are often unaware of their partial hearing loss.
People with conductive hearing loss may report that sounds are more quiet and distant than before. Their own voices sound loud to themselves, and, consequently, they tend to speak softly. Because of this, they may be frequently asked to repeat things they say.
People with sensori neural hearing loss may:
- report that sounds are not only quieter than before but also distorted and less clear
- find high-pitched tones are harder to hear (less audible) than low ones
- find that words are difficult to distinguish, and sounds are muffled
- not hear the sounds 's', 'f' and 'z', but can clearly hear consonants such as 'c'.
People with sensori neural hearing loss may tend to speak loudly because they have difficulty hearing their own voices and consequently cannot modulate them.
People with conductive, sensorineural, or mixed hearing loss may also report:
- ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- balance disturbances (vertigo)
- nausea, vomiting, and a rhythmic jerking of the eyes (nystagmus).
(MDA Internet 2007)
Statistics
Research suggests 1 in 10 people experience some level of hearing loss, which increases to 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 (Deafness Forum of Australia (No date specified)).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with partial hearing loss to better manage their symptoms. These include changes to work tasks and the environment, such as:
- modifying workstation set up to ensure people with hearing loss are able to work facing colleagues or entry ways which allows for the use of visual cues to compensate for loss of hearing
- when discussing task requirements for the day or other important information, ensure it is done in a quiet environment to maximise an individuals capacity to hear the information
- look directly at the person when communicating to enable them to use a range of cues to overcome hearing loss, such as facial expressions, body language or lip reading
- provide important information in formats other than audio such as video, email, task whiteboard or handouts
- consider the use of specialised equipment such as telephone amplification, visual fire or alert systems, or assistive listening devices which can help in group situations such as training rooms, staff rooms or conferences.
Employers of people with disability may be eligible for free workplace assessments and modifications through the Employment Assistance Fund which pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special equipment for employees with disability. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are other solutions and adjustments relevant for persons with partial hearing loss:
References
MDA Internet 2007, Reed Group, Colorado, viewed 1 March 2007, www.mdainternet.com (secure site).
Better Health Channel 2007, Deafness – a range of causes, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 1 March 2007,
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Deafness_-_a_range_of_causes?OpenDocument
Deafness Forum of Australia (no date specified), Not Hearing Information, Deafness Forum of Australia, Canberra, viewed 10 October 2008, http://www.deafnessforum.org.au/index.php?q=not-hearing-information
Deafness Forum of Australia 2007, Deafness Forum of Australia, Canberra, viewed 1 March 2007, www.deafnessforum.org.au