When ear care in the workplace is mentioned, many people’s first reaction is to typically jump to industries where high decibel levels are commonplace – construction sites, factories, and music venues. Such companies work under strict health and safety regulations, and must monitor and protect the hearing of their employees regularly. But what about the quiet confines of a quieter office or a backroom staff area?
The perception of ear care needs to evolve beyond noisy environments, and fast. In fact, ear care should be accessible to all employees in UK workplaces as a regular part of health and wellbeing offerings, treated as a routine check like an eye test, or dental checkup.
The places that commonly have ear care already
Currently, ear care in the workplace is predominantly focused on industries with high noise levels. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), nearly 2 million people in the UK are exposed to noise levels that are potentially harmful to their hearing. These industries are required to provide ear protection, conduct regular hearing tests, and educate employees on the importance of hearing health.
However, this leaves out a significant number of employees who, although not exposed to loud noises, could still benefit from ear care. For example, office workers, customer service representatives, and even backroom staff in noisy industries are often neglected when it comes to ear health. These employees may not face immediate risks, but long-term neglect can lead to – amongst other problems – mental health issues, tinnitus, and even hearing loss.
Who can have ear care at work?
The simple answer is everyone. Ear care should be a standard part of workplace health and wellbeing programs, not just a requirement for noisy industries. Every employee, regardless of their job role or work environment, should have access to regular hearing checks and education on ear health.
When ear care is considered as part of a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, its broader impact can be better understood. Hearing health is intrinsically linked to other aspects of wellbeing, including mental health, cognitive function, and overall quality of life. By normalising ear care in the workplace, employees can be helped to take control of their hearing and be alert to any changes in their auditory health.
What’s the personal impact of an employer offering Ear Care in the workplace?
Providing ear care at work has profound personal benefits that extend beyond the office walls. For instance, at work, employees who receive regular hearing check-ups are more likely to experience improved concentration and productivity.
With timely interventions and resources to address any emerging hearing issues, employees can focus better, avoid misunderstandings in communication, and complete their work with less stress. They could also contribute more effectively to team projects by feeling more included if they can hear their colleagues. This can lead to greater job satisfaction and a sense of professional accomplishment.
Socially, the impact is equally significant. Good hearing health supports better relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. Individuals can fully engage in social gatherings without the fear of mishearing conversations, which can sometimes lead to awkward or isolating situations.
Additionally, preventing or addressing hearing issues early can help maintain cognitive function and mental health, reducing the risk of depression or feelings of disconnect that sometimes accompany hearing loss.
Ultimately, an employer who prioritises ear care not only enhances the workplace environment but also enriches their employees’ overall quality of life and social connections.
What’s the benefit to the business of providing employees with Ear Care at work?
There’s also a compelling business case for offering ear care in the workplace. Firstly, healthier employees mean fewer sick days and higher productivity. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), unaddressed hearing loss costs the global economy billions of pounds annually, including costs from health sector expenses, educational support, loss of productivity, and societal costs.
Offering comprehensive health and wellbeing programs, including ear care, can significantly boost employee morale and retention. In the current climate and job market, people looking for jobs are thinking beyond the salary and benefits packages, and want to know their employer genuinely values their wellbeing. Companies that invest in their employees’ health are more likely to attract and retain top talent.
Integrating ear care into health and wellbeing programs can enhance a company’s reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking employer. It shows a commitment to employee welfare and can position the company as an industry leader in workplace health initiatives.
What can be done to making Ear Care more commonplace?
The big question remains – how does ear care become a mainstream component of workplace wellbeing? A few potential strategies include:
- Integrate Ear Care into workplace wellbeing programs: Companies should include ear care as part of their regular health offerings. This could involve annual hearing tests, educational workshops, and easy access to ear health resources.
- Leverage Technology: Tech giants are already thinking to the future by releasing designs to incorporate hearing aid technology into their products. Employers can expect other technological developments to be released over the coming years to help make ear care more accessible and engaging for their employees.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: New campaigns are pushing for ear and hearing checks to be included in NHS health assessments for individuals over 40. Corporate support for such initiatives can accelerate policy changes, benefiting a larger population.
- Raise Awareness: Start conversations about ear health in the workplace. Encourage employees to prioritise their hearing. Discuss and provide educational materials and content for them to gain a greater understanding of how to maintain ear health, allowing employees to share their own experiences and concerns to help shape the company’s practices.
Ultimately, ear care shouldn’t be limited to noisy industries. It should be a standard offering in all UK workplaces. By expanding ear care to all employees, companies can show genuine care for their employees’ wellbeing, whilst at the same time improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and establish themselves as leaders in employee health initiatives.
It’s time to prioritise ear care and ensure that every employee can take control of their hearing health.
Nicola Miller
Nicola Miller, Clinical Lead and Founder of Workplace Ear Care, leads the corporate ear health wellbeing services including on-site ear health checks and hearing tests. Nicola has over a decade of experience working in Audiological settings, both within the NHS and Privately. She also founded and still runs a successful residential ear care company, and obtained a degree in Audiology from the University of Southampton. Her wealth of experience across a range of settings ensures her clients can depend on her expertise, and receive exceptional care and service.
