Working life with a hearing impairment: How to stay on top of things

BackgroundA hearing impairment is associated with reduced work participation. Research suggests a lack of focus on vocational rehabilitation among a growing population of employees with hearing impairment.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the lived experience of people with hearing impairments managing their everyday work situation and conditions that promote work participation.MethodsTen participants - six woman and four men - participated in two audio-recorded focus group interviews, with five participants in each group. The mean age was 57 years (range: 45-70 years). Five participants reported having a sensorineural hearing impairment, two had combined of neurological and conductive hearing impairments, and three were unsure of their diagnostic classification. Eight participants had an acquired hearing impairment, whereas two participants had congenital hearing impairment. The audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed by systematic text condensation.ResultsThe analysis resulted in four intertwined concepts: control; disclosure; support and understanding; and accommodation and technical aids. Further reflection on what it means for participants to be at the 'top of things' revealed three overarching interpretive themes: chasing consistency, managing inconsistency and expecting normalcy.ConclusionsThis study emphasises the importance of for professionals, employer and the employees themselves recognising the vast complexity and dynamic challenges associated of having a hearing impairment in working life. A stronger emphasis on vocational rehabilitation has the potential to enhance work participation for individuals with hearing impairment, with substantial benefits for both individual well-being and broader societal welfare.