Workplace Hearing Technology: 5 Common Questions Answered

Amalee

• 4 min read
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Workplace Hearing Technology: 5 Common Questions Answered
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya / Unsplash

Making your workplace more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing employees can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure what technology you need or where to start.

Our team receives practical questions every day from businesses, HR teams, individuals and organisations looking for the right workplace hearing technology and assistive listening equipment.

So, today we're answering five of the questions we're asked most often.

1. How can I connect hearing aids to a workplace phone system?

There are several ways to connect hearing aids to workplace phone systems, but the best solution will depend on the hearing aids being used and your existing telephone setup.

Options can include:

The right solution will depend on the hearing aid manufacturer and model, as well as the type of phone system used in your workplace.

2. Can I connect hearing aids to a laptop?

This depends on the make and model of the hearing aids.

Some modern hearing aids can connect directly to computers, while others require additional accessories.

For hearing aids that don't connect directly to a computer, a Bluetooth USB dongle, such as the EPOS BTD 800, combined with a compatible hearing aid accessory such as an Oticon ConnectClip or Cochlear Wireless Phone Clip, can provide a connection.

Hearing aid compatibility varies, so it's always best to check the exact hearing aid manufacturer and model before choosing an accessory.

Not sure what's compatible? Our team can help you work out which options are suitable for the hearing aids you're working with.

3. Do workplace hearing technology systems require staff training?

Not necessarily.

Some assistive listening equipment is very straightforward to use and may not require formal training. Other setups may benefit from some additional guidance to make sure employees are confident using the equipment.

Training is available if needed, either virtually or on-site, and we can advise you on what would be appropriate for the particular equipment and workplace setup you're using.

The aim is to make the technology easy and practical to use, rather than adding another barrier for employees.

4. Can hearing technology be used to transcribe meeting notes?

Yes. A Roger microphone can be used with a Roger neckloop and suitable speech-to-text software to help with meeting transcription.

This can be particularly useful for people who find it difficult to follow spoken conversations in workplace meetings, providing an additional way to access and refer back to what is being said.

Speech-to-text can be used alongside hearing technology to provide an additional layer of communication support, rather than relying on a single solution.

5. Can one hearing support system work for the whole organisation?

There isn't really a one-size-fits-all hearing support solution. Workplaces, employees and environments vary, so the equipment that works well for one person or situation may not be suitable for another.

However, Phonak Roger can be a "one-size-fits-most" option for many workplaces, with different microphones and accessories available for a range of situations.

For example, Roger technology can be used to support:

  • One-to-one conversations
  • Small group discussions
  • Meetings
  • Presentations
  • Conversations in noisy environments

The right combination of microphones and accessories can be selected according to the individual's needs and the workplace environment.

Choosing the Right Assistive Listening Technology for Your Workplace

There is no single piece of equipment that will work for every deaf or hard of hearing employee.

The best solution depends on factors including:

  • The person's hearing aids or cochlear implant
  • Whether their hearing device has Bluetooth or telecoil connectivity
  • The type of workplace
  • The equipment already in use
  • Whether support is needed for phone calls, meetings or face-to-face conversations
  • The level of background noise
  • How many people need to use the system

Getting the right advice at the beginning can help you avoid investing in equipment that isn't compatible with an employee's existing technology.

Need Help Choosing Workplace Hearing Technology?

These are just some of the questions we hear from workplaces and individuals every day.

If you're unsure what assistive listening technology you need, whether something will work with your existing setup, or simply where to start, our team is always happy to help.

Whether you're looking for hearing aid connectivity for a workplace phone or laptop, meeting support, speech-to-text solutions or a wider workplace accessibility system, we can help you explore the options.

Get in touch with the Connevans team to discuss your requirements or request a quote.

📧 Email us: info@connevans.com
📞 Call us: 01737 247571