Tips for Communicating with Coworkers
Communicating in the workplace can be challenging, whether your coworkers know about your hearing impairment or not. However, there are specific steps you can take to increase the chance of successful communication with your coworkers. We have put together a list of ideas to help guide to better communication in your workplace.
Know Your Specific Type of Hearing Loss
Each person’s hearing loss is unique, so it is essential to have an understanding of what listening situations are the most challenging for you. Once you know this, then you can take the next step and find different things that help you hear better in those situations.
Get Plenty of Rest
If you don’t get enough rest, then you will have problems concentrating, which leads to issues hearing those around you and focusing on what is said during conversations. Also, if you can schedule meetings, then try to schedule them early in the day when your mind is the sharpest from a good night’s sleep.
Educate Coworkers on Your Hearing Loss
If you are comfortable, let your colleagues know about your hearing loss. Most of the time, it is better to be upfront because then you can explain which listening situations are challenging. This is also an excellent opportunity to have a discussion about best practices during both individual and group communication. Some recommendations are to ask coworkers to face you when speaking to you, ask that during meetings only one colleague speaks at a time, and asking people to get your attention before speaking. You will probably have to remind people of these communication recommendations several times, but they will be happy to help you.
Use Technology for Backup
During meetings, ask colleagues if it is okay to record the session, and if they agree, you can use a digital recorder or even your smartphone as a recording device. This can help you in case you miss important parts of the meeting or need to review something that someone said. If your coworkers aren’t comfortable having the meeting recorded, there are apps available that convert speech to text, such as LiveTranscribe from Google (available only on Android phones), which doesn’t record or save information.
Remember, take care of yourself and maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy food, resting, and exercising. When you feel good, then it will give you more energy for listening.
We are always available to help all of our patients with any questions they have. Hearing loss is an invisible disability, but remember that you aren’t alone. Contact us at 864-881-1663 and schedule an appointment today at one of our four convenient locations in Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.
We have put together tips to help you communicate in the workplace.
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