{"id":868,"date":"2023-04-21T20:04:26","date_gmt":"2023-04-22T00:04:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wilmingtonaudiology.com\/?p=868"},"modified":"2023-04-24T20:04:33","modified_gmt":"2023-04-25T00:04:33","slug":"ways-to-support-a-coworker-with-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wilmingtonaudiology.com\/ways-to-support-a-coworker-with-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Ways to Support a Coworker with Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether you realize it or not, it is statistically likely you work with someone who has hearing loss. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders<\/a>, \u201cApproximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) aged 18 and over report some trouble hearing.\u201d We review ways you can support a coworker with hearing loss<\/a> below.<\/p>\n

Be Inclusive\"Side<\/h2>\n

You can create a supportive work environment by including your coworker in activities like team lunch or happy hour. You can also be inclusive by repeating or rephrasing a joke someone told if they look confused.<\/p>\n

Provide Visuals<\/h2>\n

Group settings, like conference meetings, are particularly challenging for people with hearing loss, so try to include visuals wherever possible if you\u2019re leading a meeting.<\/p>\n

Practice Patience<\/h2>\n

When you\u2019re conversing with your coworker, know that they may have a hard time understanding what you\u2019re saying, so they may ask you to repeat yourself frequently. If you practice patience, you\u2019ll find that you can have deep, meaningful conversations with them.<\/p>\n

Use Communication Strategies<\/h2>\n

To make the conversation flow better, use the following communication strategies<\/a>:<\/p>\n