Creating an inclusive workplace starts with understanding the wide range of hearing differences and the ways they can affect employees in day-to-day tasks

Part of building an inclusive workplace comes from understanding the range and nuance of the conditions that may affect employees. Very rarely is a condition straightforward, and each person’s needs will vary depending on how their condition presents and the environment they work in. In this four-part series, we explore the complexities of hearing, visual, mobility and dexterity-based disabilities. Here, we focus on inclusive spaces for hearing differences.

Deafness is just one of many hearing-related conditions, yet it is often the one most people think of first. In reality, businesses may need to consider a much wider range of hearing differences, including partial hearing, sound sensitivity and tinnitus – all of which can have a profound effect on productivity. When a customer becomes aware that an employee has a hearing difference, they may need support in selecting the right products and setting up spaces that allow that person to work effectively.

Partial or Limited Hearing

Employees with partial or limited hearing may hear some sounds clearly while struggling with others, particularly speech in busy or open environments. Background noise, overlapping conversations and poor acoustics can make it difficult to focus on the sounds needed. Dealers can support customers by recommending products that help reduce ambient noise and manage how sound travels through a space. Acoustic panels, desk-mounted screens with sound-absorbing properties, and ceiling treatments can all help limit noise spread.

In addition, products that direct and amplify sound can be valuable. This may include desk-based sound systems that project speech toward the listener or assistive listening devices compatible with hearing aids – these tools help employees focus on the sounds they need, without increasing overall noise levels.

Sound Sensitivity and Audio-Processing

For employees with sound sensitivity, keyboards, phones, background conversations or mechanical sounds may cause discomfort, fatigue or distraction, even when volumes seem reasonable to others. In these cases, control is key. Products that allow personal control over volume are important. Noise-cancelling headsets, adjustable white noise devices and sound-masking systems can help employees regulate what they hear without isolating them completely from their surroundings. The ability to adjust these tools as needed gives workers greater comfort during different tasks or times of day.

Tinnitus, Hyperacusis and Other Hearing Conditions

Tinnitus and hyperacusis are often misunderstood. They present as an intrusive, persistent or heightened sounds that the person cannot control – ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other tones that can be constant or fluctuate unpredictably. These conditions can make concentration, communication and even routine tasks exhausting. Key here is helping customers to stabilise the acoustic environment.

Vibration-dampened keyboards, quiet mice and adjustable desk screens can help reduce the impact of everyday office sounds. Visual and multi-sensory support can be equally important. Employees may rely on visual alerts instead of auditory signals for alarms, phone calls, or notifications, or use captioning and screen-based communication during meetings to reduce the need to strain listening.

Every hearing-related condition is unique, and the way it affects an employee can vary widely depending on the individual, their role, and the environment in which they work. There is no one-size-fits-all solution – what works for one person may not work for another, and creating an inclusive space often requires a combination of tools, thoughtful design, and ongoing adjustments. Understanding the complexities of hearing differences is just one part of building a truly accessible workplace. In the next article in this series, we will explore how businesses can create inclusive environments for employees with visual impairments.