An American study has highlighted a mismatch between the perceived impact of hearing loss on work performance and the support offered by employers. UK workplaces may be falling into the same trap
More than 12 million adults in the UK are living with hearing loss, including around five million of working age, according to the charity RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People). Despite the scale of the issue, hearing care remains low on the agenda for many employers.
A recent US survey by hearing care provider TruHearing (a U.S. Audiologist) found that 87% of employees believe hearing loss would affect their job performance, yet only 13% say their employer provides hearing healthcare benefits. While the data comes from America, it highlights a gap in workplace health provision that is likely mirrored in the UK.
RNID and other UK organisations have long warned that hearing loss is under-recognised in occupational health. Many adults delay treatment for years, with cost, stigma and lack of employer support often playing a role.
Growing awareness, but little action
TruHearing’s Hearing Loss in the Workplace survey found that over half of respondents believed hearing loss would have a major or severe impact on their ability to do their job. Yet, at 13%, benefits related to hearing are far less common than those for dental (66%) or vision (71%).
The survey’s findings suggest employers underestimate how important hearing health is to employee wellbeing and productivity. Over a third of workers said they would be more likely to accept a job offer if it included hearing benefits, while 40% said it would make them more likely to stay in their current role.
Trent Sterling, CEO of TruHearing, called untreated hearing loss a “silent threat” that disrupts communication and collaboration at work.
Why employers should pay attention
In the UK, hearing loss has been linked to social withdrawal, depression and even dementia, all of which can reduce productivity and increase sick leave. A study published in The Lancet Public Health showed that addressing hearing loss can help maintain cognitive health and social engagement.
Despite this, hearing care is still rarely included in workplace benefit packages or occupational health checks. This may be due to cost concerns or a lack of awareness among HR and health teams.
Irene Wong, a Clinical Audiologist at Hearology®, said: “Employers often overlook how common hearing loss is and its impact on productivity. They also don’t realise it is manageable most of the time. Early intervention can make a significant difference to someone’s ability to thrive at work, and it doesn’t have to be costly. At Hearology®, we champion hearing care at work by offering firms accessibility to on-site hearing tests, alongside traditional in-clinic care.”
References
- RNID – Guidance on supporting staff with hearing loss, workplace inclusion and legal responsibilities.
- RNID – Practical tips for implementing workplace adjustments for hearing-impaired staff.
- Access to Work – Overview of the UK’s Access to Work scheme and how it supports employees with hearing needs.
- Hearing loss and work research – Academic review on the impact of hearing loss on working life, including well‑being and professional outcomes.
