Work Productivity Loss and Increased Recovery Needs in Working-Age Adults With Bilateral Severe Hearing Loss: Evidence From a Prospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES: The impact of severe bilateral hearing loss on work productivity has not been fully explored. Given the communication difficulties experienced by this population, it has been hypothesized that work productivity may be affected, resulting in an economic burden. This study aimed to investigate work productivity among participants with severe acquired bilateral hearing loss. In addition, cognitive functioning was also examined to control for the possible intermediate effect on work productivity. DESIGN: This study presents observational data from 50 participants, aged between 18 and 65 years, who have been diagnosed with severe bilateral hearing loss, defined as an average hearing loss of at least 70 decibels hearing level in the worst ear. The Work Limitations Questionnaire, the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire, and the need for recovery subscale of the Dutch Questionnaire on the Experience and Evaluation of Work (Dutch Vragenlijst Beleving en Beoordeling van de Arbeid) were employed to assess work productivity and the short-term effects of fatigue resulting from work activities. To assess the risk of long-term sick leave, the Quickscan questionnaire was administered. In addition, an audiometric assessment (pure-tone audiometry, speech perception in quiet, and speech perception in noise) was performed. Cognitive functioning and visuospatial short-term memory were investigated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status adjusted for Hearing-impaired individuals and the Corsi Block-tapping task. RESULTS: The study found that participants with severe bilateral hearing loss exhibited a decline in self-reported work productivity and an increased need for recovery after work. Participants diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss reported higher rates of work productivity loss compared with healthy controls and the general population, as reported in earlier studies. Furthermore, they reported a greater need for recovery after work compared with normal hearing controls in previous studies. Moreover, participants with tinnitus appeared to experience even greater work productivity loss and a higher need for recovery than those without tinnitus. The impact of bilateral hearing loss on cognitive functioning was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Participants diagnosed with severe bilateral hearing loss reported a significant impact of their hearing loss on work productivity and need for recovery after work. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary strategies to support employability and well-being in this population. Future research should develop objective, hearing-specific work productivity measures and explore factors contributing to work productivity and recovery needs.