When communicating in large group settings such as meetings, conferences, seminars, lectures, open plan offices or social events for work, the potentially large amount of noise from surrounding conversations, equipment, music and movement of people can make it very difficult to hear clearly. If a person is unable to hear clearly then they are unlikely to be able to understand fully, and therefore may be unable to carry through with instructions or benefit from training. This can then impact on productivity, work performance and safety.
It is therefore essential when communicating with or within large groups of people, that the essential information is obtained by all staff, including those who are hard of hearing or deaf (Better Health Channel 2007; Australian Hearing 2005).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Consider the following strategies at work to ensure information is clear for all employees:
Meetings or Staff Training:
- distribute written notes summarising staff training presentations
- use visual displays during training or meetings i.e. powerpoint
- when presenting training to multiple staff, ensure the person with hearing impairment is seated (and are close to) where they can see the presenters face and whiteboard or screen clearly
- presenters to ensure they are positioned in good light
- aim to reduce as much background noise as possible, for instance, close doors and turn off music
- have written agendas for meetings and distribute meeting minutes following completion to ensure confirmation of discussions and any actions to be taken
- allow for repetition or rephrasing of questions
- request that only one person speaks at a time
- if presenting videos or DVD's consider the use of captions
- consider the use of assistive listening devices, induction loops and hearing and microphones—directional within training or meeting rooms
- consider the use an interpreter for those communicating via Auslan through funding assistance from the Auslan for Employment program—funding is available for interpreters to be used within the workplace for interviews, inductions along with staff training and development. See the link below for more information on Auslan interpreting and co-worker training:
Socialising
Social interaction within the workplace can make work more enjoyable, but is also essential in developing good working relationships and staff morale—this can include chatting in the lunch room or by the photocopier, drinks after work or specially organised social functions. In these situations when communicating with someone who is hard of hearing or deaf:
- ensure they can see your face when communicating
- talk at a normal pace (maybe slightly slower) in a normal voice—definately don't shout
- be prepared to rephrase or repeat what you have said if required
- minimise background noise
- gain attention first
- if in doubt, ask each individual with a hearing impairment how they best communicate
- use email for updates on what is happening in the office, for instance, resignations, promotions, holiday leave, engagements and marriages, etc...
Funding assistance is now available through the Auslan for Employment program (see Related Link) for deaf awareness training within the workplace, along with funding for co workers of a deaf worker (who communicates via Auslan) to attend an appropriate training organisation to learn Auslan and therefore facilitate communication within the workplace.
Those who are hard of hearing should consider regular assessment to ensure appropriate management and the most suitable hearing aids (if required) are being used within your work environment (Better Health Channel 2007; Australian Hearing 2005). See link below for more information:
Links to more specific job requirements and solutions
References
Better Health Channel 2007, Hearing loss – communicating at work, Victorian Government, Melbourne, viewed 26 July 2007, < http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Hearing_loss_communicating_at
_work?open>.
Better Health Channel 2007, Hearing loss - Workplace tips for managers, Victorian Government, Melbourne, viewed 26 July 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Hearing_loss_workplace_tips
_for_managers?open>.
Australian Hearing 2005, Communication tips, Australian Government Department of Human Services, Sydney, viewed 26 July 2007, < http://www.hearing.com.au/ViewPage.action?
siteNodeId=227&languageId=1&contentId=-1>.