Hearing loss can have a major impact on your daily life, and that certainly includes your work. Communication becomes more difficult, meetings can be tiring, and ambient noise can be disruptive. Fortunately, there are several rights and options that ensure you can continue to function optimally in the workplace despite hearing loss.
Employment rights for hearing loss
If you have hearing loss, you have several rights in the Netherlands under the Working Conditions Act and the Equal Treatment on the Basis of Disability or Chronic Illness Act. Employers are required to provide a safe and accessible work environment and may not discriminate against you because of your hearing impairment.
Important rights include:
- Right to an adapted workplace.
- Right to equal treatment and opportunities within the company.
- Right to support and tools that facilitate your work.
- Right to adjusted working hours or flexible solutions if needed.
Employer obligations
Employers are required to implement measures that support employees with hearing loss. These can range from providing a quiet workplace to acquiring technical aids such as teleloops or amplified telephones. An employer must also be open to working from home options if that better suits your situation.
Assistive devices and adaptations at work
Depending on the severity of your hearing loss and your function, different aids may be used:
- Hearing aids and accessories: Modern hearing aids can be paired with work phones and laptops.
- Loops and FM systems: These improve intelligibility in meeting rooms.
- Speech-to-text software: Helps convert spoken text to written words.
- Visual signals: Consider flashing lights as a substitute for bells or alarms.
Grants and financial support
There are several subsidies and schemes in the Netherlands that can cover the cost of assistive devices and adaptations at work:
- UWV reimbursements: The UWV may provide reimbursements for assistive devices such as hearing aids and teleloops.
- Workplace Adjustments: The employer can apply for subsidies for necessary workplace adjustments.
- Relief for the self-employed: Even if you are an entrepreneur, there are schemes such as the Starters Employment Disability Scheme.
How do you discuss hearing loss with your employer?
Many people find it difficult to bring up hearing loss, but open communication is essential. Here are some tips:
- Prepare your interview well: Think about what modifications you need.
- Emphasize your qualities: Make it clear that hearing loss will not affect your performance, provided proper support is in place.
- Be open about your needs: Give concrete examples of situations in which you could use extra support.
Legislation and protection
In addition to the aforementioned laws, there are other regulations that provide protection for workers with hearing loss:
- Gatekeeper Improvement Act: Ensures that employers and employees create a reintegration plan together in case of illness or limitations.
- Participation Act: Encourages inclusion in the workplace and provides opportunities for customized positions.
- Social Support Act (Wmo): Municipalities can provide support for necessary adjustments.
Working with hearing loss in different industries
Depending on the industry you work in, there may be additional challenges or solutions:
- Office environment: Custom headsets and software can help with communication.
- Hospitality and retail: Visual aids and adapted work schedules can help.
- Industry and construction: Special hearing protection and appropriate communication systems are often necessary.
- Care and education: This is where interpreters and speech software can provide additional support.
What if working no longer works?
Sometimes hearing loss can be so severe that working in its current form is no longer possible. In that case, there are several options:
- Adjustment of tasks or hours.
- Retraining through the UWV.
- Disability benefits if necessary.
Summary
Hearing loss does not have to be an obstacle to your work. Thanks to legislation, technical aids and support from the government and employers, with the right adjustments you can continue to function optimally. Through open communication and utilizing available facilities, you can create a pleasant and inclusive work environment in which you can reach your full potential.
