Using Assistive Technology to enhance workplace inclusivity for people who are hard of hearing

10 May

Imagine living in a world where every conversation feels like it's happening just out of reach, where the vibrant tapestry of sounds most take for granted fades into a muffled backdrop. This is a daily reality for 9.9 million people who are hard of hearing, including 4.4 million individuals of working age in England alone. This challenge impacts personal interactions and extends to every corner of their professional and social lives.

The emergence of assistive technologies marks a significant turning point for professionals and organisations striving to cultivate an inclusive environment. These tools help ensure that every employee can fully participate and thrive regardless of their hearing ability.

A closer look at the available range of Assistive Technologies

The right assistive technologies can transform the workplace for those with hearing loss. Understanding the available technologies is the first step towards creating a more accessible and inclusive environment. Here’s an overview of practical tools and services that support clear communication and full participation:

Assistive listening systems: These systems encompass a variety of technologies designed to enhance audio clarity for those with hearing loss. FM systems and hearing loops directly transmit sound to hearing aids or cochlear implants, effectively reducing background noise and improving speech understanding. Similarly, devices utilising telecoil, infrared, and Bluetooth technologies, including remote microphones, offer flexible solutions to cater to diverse listening environments and preferences.
Captioning services: Services like CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation) provide real-time transcription of spoken words into text, displayed on screens during meetings or presentations. This ensures that participants with hearing loss can follow discussions without missing essential details.
Video Relay Services (VRS) and Text Relay Services (TRS): Relay services support telephone communication for people with hearing loss. VRS uses video calls to facilitate sign language interpretation and TRS provides text-based communication.
Visual alert systems: Installing visual alert systems for emergencies, phone rings, or doorbells ensures that all employees know important notifications, enhancing safety and responsiveness in the workplace.

Case study: The Phonak Roger Range

The Phonak Roger System demonstrates how innovative solutions can significantly enhance communication for individuals with hearing loss. This system stands out for its ability to facilitate clearer conversations in professional settings, where background noise and distance often pose challenges.

Key features:

Direct audio transmission: It transmits sound straight from a speaker’s microphone to the user’s hearing device, minimising background noise and enhancing speech clarity.
Broad compatibility: The Phonak Roger System's ability to interface with various hearing aids and cochlear implants ensures it can benefit a wide audience within the workplace.
Simplicity and ease of use: Designed for straightforward operation, it allows seamless integration into daily work routines, offering clear advantages and minimal disruption.

Workplace applications:

Meetings and presentations: The Phonak Roger System aids in more effective communication during meetings, presentations, and any situation where clarity of speech is crucial by ensuring that speech is transmitted clearly and directly to the listener.
Open office environments: In bustling open office spaces, where background noise can be a significant barrier to communication, the system can be particularly beneficial in allowing employees with hearing loss to stay engaged with their teams and work more efficiently.
Training sessions: For educational and training purposes, the Phonak Roger System can help ensure all employees, including those with hearing loss, receive the same access to information, facilitating an inclusive learning environment.
One-on-one conversations: The Phonak Roger System can make communication clearer even in one-on-one discussions—whether performance reviews, mentoring sessions, or casual catch-ups.

Challenges and solutions in adopting Assistive Technologies

Integrating assistive technologies comes with challenges, from financial constraints to a general need for more awareness. However, these hurdles can be overcome with strategic planning and a commitment to inclusivity.

Challenges:

Costs: The initial investment in assistive technologies can be significant, deterring some organisations from adopting these necessary tools.
Lack of awareness: A general unawareness about the types and benefits of assistive technologies can lead to neglect in implementing these solutions.
Technical complexity: Some assistive technologies may seem daunting due to their perceived technical complexity, discouraging their use.

Solutions:

Leveraging Access to Work: Access to Work is a government initiative supporting disabled people in the workplace. For employees with hearing loss, it can fund necessary technologies or communication support, such as loop systems for meetings. Employers should guide their teams on accessing this scheme to mitigate the costs of inclusivity tools.
Educational initiatives: Implement educational programmes to raise awareness about hearing loss and the critical role of assistive technologies. Knowledge empowers organisations to make informed decisions and fosters a supportive environment for all employees.
Simplified integration: Seek technologies that offer user-friendly setup and maintenance. Partner with vendors who provide comprehensive support and training, ensuring a smoother integration process.

Best practices:

Inclusive decision-making: Involve employees with hearing loss in the decision-making process to identify the most beneficial and user-friendly technologies.
Continuous learning: Stay updated on technological advancements to continually enhance and adapt the workplace for inclusivity. At SIC, we provide a variety of consulting, training, and workshop services. Find out more here.
Feedback loops: Establish mechanisms for ongoing feedback from technology users, allowing for adjustments and improvements over time.

Adopting assistive technologies in the workplace is an ongoing journey marked by challenges and significant rewards. By addressing these hurdles with thoughtful solutions and best practices, organisations can create a more inclusive, productive, and welcoming environment for every employee.

The broader impact of inclusive technologies in the workplace

Integrating inclusive technologies significantly enhances the workplace by fostering engagement, inclusivity, and productivity. These technologies not only support the individual but also bring wide-ranging benefits to the entire organisation.

Legal compliance: Adhering to legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 is fundamental to creating a fair and supportive workplace. This act mandates employers to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled employees, ensuring they’re not disadvantaged. Integrating inclusive technologies is a proactive step towards meeting these legal obligations, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to equity, and supporting all employees in achieving their potential.

Enhanced morale: By providing the tools necessary for effective communication, inclusive technologies ensure that all employees feel heard and valued. This sense of belonging boosts morale and engagement, as employees are more likely to be invested in their work and the company culture when they experience an inclusive environment.
Increased productivity: Clear communication facilitated by assistive technologies leads to fewer misunderstandings and more efficient workflows. Employees can perform their tasks more effectively, leading to overall improvements in productivity. Additionally, when disabled employees are equipped with the right tools, their ability to contribute fully is unlocked, which can lead to untapped talents being discovered and utilised.
Reduced turnover: An inclusive workplace is a critical factor in employee retention. Employees who feel supported and included are less likely to seek employment elsewhere. This stability benefits the company, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with high turnover.
Improved company image: Employees and the public view companies prioritising inclusivity and diversity more favourably. This positive image can enhance customer and workforce loyalty, attract a broader client base, and improve stakeholder relations. Being seen as a socially responsible company can also open doors to new markets and partnerships.
Future readiness: As the workforce continues to diversify and as regulations around accessibility evolve, companies already implementing these technologies will be ahead of the curve. This proactive approach ensures that businesses remain competitive and adaptable in a changing landscape.

Toward a more inclusive future

Assistive technologies are essential in making workplaces more accessible for people who are hard of hearing, offering them the means to participate and excel fully. These technologies not only benefit individuals directly but also enhance the overall productivity and inclusivity of the organisation.

As we progress, the need for continuous innovation in assistive technologies and inclusive practices becomes more crucial. By embracing and advocating for these advancements, organisations can ensure a welcoming environment for all employees, irrespective of hearing ability.

The future of work is inclusive. It's up to us to keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible, ensuring that every workforce member has the opportunity to contribute to their maximum potential. Let's commit to a future where inclusivity is not just an ideal but a reality for everyone.

This guest post was written by Adriana Aleksandrova, Hear4U.