Empowering adults with hearing difficulties in the workforce
This Hear@Work project investigated the underlying fundamentals and needs for a new eHealth tool to empower workers with hearing impairment to manage their needs in the workplace. The project was a public-private partnership between academia and the hearing aid manufacturer Sonova.
Approximately 12% of the Dutch adult population are living with hearing loss of which 225.000 are of working age. Due to a raising retirement age, the number of people with hearing loss in the workforce is increasing, implying more pressure on our healthcare systems. Unaddressed hearing problems may have significant effects on functioning at work such as stress-related complaints, greater need for post-work recovery, higher chances of becoming unfit for work and more sick leave. Although protocols with recommendations for vocational hearing rehabilitation have been produced, access to these services and the uptake of hearing aids, other listening devices, and workplace interventions is suboptimal. Better awareness of hearing loss in the workplace, and better implementation of tailored services and interventions are needed.
Hear@Work explored factors influencing uptake of hearing aids and assistive technology and the need for recovery in a cohort of workers with hearing loss (WP1). An intervention mapping study was conducted among stakeholders about their needs in the workplace (WP2) resulting in a concept design for an ePlatform (WP3).
Hear@Work delivered two peer-reviewed scientific articles (WP1), presentations at (inter)national conferences and publications in trade (e) magazines (WP2) (e.g. Ondersteuning slechthorende werknemers schiet te kort - Hoorzaken). Also, a stakeholder consensus conference was organized in September 2022. The first prototype of an online platform was developed (WP3) (www.gehoorenwerk.nl). It provides knowledge, tips and referral routes for employees with hearing loss, employers and professionals supporting these groups. We are currently discussing possibilities of embedding the platform in a larger infrastructure/system.
