Member Article

Breaking the sound barrier in the workplace

The RNID and the TUC have today teamed up for the second year running to call on workers and their managers to ‘Break the Sound Barrier’ and take the charity’s telephone hearing check on 0845 600 5555. The TUC will be encouraging the UK’s 28 million workers to make taking the hearing check one of their new year’s resolutions. Employers are also being urged to make staff aware of the benefits of the test.

The RNID have said that over 40 per cent of people over 50 have some level of hearing loss, which often happens naturally as people age. As many of the older generation are working longer for various reasons, the TUC have said that it is important that they do not face communication barriers in the workplace because of hearing loss.

RNID’s telephone hearing check allows individuals to discover whether hearing aids could help them to hear better. Practical measures such as digital hearing aids, amplified telephones and loop systems can also be introduced at work to help employees.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “Hearing loss is a real problem at work for many employees, who may be reluctant to own up to the fact that they can’t hear as well as they used to be able to because they are worried that they may be sidelined as a result. Employers should be supportive to staff who are losing their hearing and encourage them to take this important check, without fear of being treated less favourably, whatever the outcome.”

John Low, Chief Executive, RNID, said: “Hearing loss can have a significant impact on employees’ abilities to interact with colleagues, managers and clients. Staff may be hiding their hearing loss, which can lead them to become increasingly isolated and withdrawn. They may feel excluded from conversations and office banter simply because they are losing their hearing. “We want to reach out to people who may be having difficulties hearing but are doing nothing about it and encourage them to take the first step in transforming their lives for the better. So, if you think anyone you know might have some hearing loss, urge them to take the five-minute check on 0845 600 5555.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .