effective communication skills and support from mentors and peer networks all contribute to positive career outcomes .
However , experiences can vary greatly by hearing loss type and job demands . For example , sign language users may have more access to Deaf communities and resources , but less access to mainstream opportunities . Spoken language users may have more access to mainstream opportunities , but less access to Deaf communities and resources .
How do persons with hearing loss cope with isolation at work ? Our new study examines how employees with hearing loss cope with feeling isolated at work . We found that how employees cope depends on both the severity of hearing loss and the quality of their relationship with their supervisors .
Specifically , our results suggest the severity of an employee ’ s hearing loss influences the degree to which they rely on professional connections for their sense of self . This , in turn , has consequences for their career outcomes , especially for those with less supportive supervisors . hearing loss tend to fare better in terms of the impact of isolation on career outcomes . This is because employees with more severe hearing loss were more likely to experience awkward , anxious and frustrating interactions with co-workers and have a harder time building and maintaining professional connections .
As a result , employees with more severe hearing loss usually placed less importance on professional connections and more importance on connections with other persons with hearing loss , making them less sensitive to isolation from professional connections .
What can persons with hearing loss do to support themselves ? Our research found that persons with hearing loss use a number of strategies to help themselves thrive in their careers . One thing persons with hearing loss do is accepting and embracing hearing loss as part of their identity . This positively changes how they view themselves and their relationship to work .
Many persons with hearing loss also redefine their personal definitions of career success . They shift from material achievements to social contributions , personal growth and well-being . Some end up moving to new roles or occupations that better match their changing skills , interests and values .
Some even turn their hearing loss into an asset . For instance , attorneys , doctors or therapists with hearing loss can focus on
Surprisingly , we found that employees with more severe
About 430 million people have hearing loss — a number expected to rise to over 700 million by 2050 . ( Shutterstock )
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