How to Talk to a Coworker About Hearing Loss: A Guide for Supportive Colleagues
- Recognizing changes in a colleague’s hearing involves noticing patterns like frequent repetition requests or withdrawal from group meetings.
- Approaching the conversation requires a private, low-pressure discussion using caring "I’ve noticed" language instead of assumptions.
- Supporting a coworker with hearing loss includes offering access to resources like hearing tests, workplace benefits, and practical office adjustments.
What Are the Signs of Hearing Loss in the Workplace?
Frequently asking for information to be repeated in meetings or during calls
Difficulty following conversations in noisy environments like cafeterias and conferences
Occasionally missing or needing clarification on instructions or details
Avoiding group conversations, meetings, or social events
Turning up the volume on phones, headsets, or video calls
Exhibiting fatigue or withdrawal after extended discussions, especially in noisy environments
Trust what you notice, and if certain patterns repeat consistently, they could be a sign of hearing changes rather than everyday distractions.
When to Speak Up
Should You Say Something?
Deciding whether to raise the topic requires balancing your desire to be helpful with respect to your coworker’s privacy and comfort.
It’s important to remember that you’re not expected to diagnose or provide solutions. You can simply offer support, share helpful information, and suggest professional guidance if your colleague seems open to it, while respecting that they will decide what steps feel right for them.
Before starting the conversation, it can be useful to consider a few factors:
1. Your Working Relationship
2. Impact on Work
Consider whether their hearing changes are affecting performance, safety, or team communication. If they’re starting to impact day-to-day tasks, it may be more important to address it1.
If you’re not close with the person, try giving some space and time and gently hint at the issue, with respect.
3. Previous Hints From Your Coworker
How to Approach the Conversation
What Is the Best Way to Approach a Conversation About Hearing Loss?
Choose the Right Time and Place
Choosing the right setting, tone and body language helps the conversation feel natural and supportive.
Look for a private, comfortable environment and low-pressure moment where your coworker can feel comfortable sharing openly.
Speak From Your Perspective
It can be helpful to speak from your own perspective rather than making assumptions.
For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed that meetings can move quickly, and I wondered if everything is coming through clearly.” This approach keeps the conversation neutral and avoids labeling their experience.
Approach the Discussion From a Place of Care
Show that your goal is to support your coworker and make workplace communication easier for everyone.
You might say something like: “I just want to make sure our meetings are working well for everyone,” or “If you ever feel like you’re missing details, I can share a few resources I’ve come across.”
Be Mindful of What Not to Say
Avoid making assumptions or diagnosing changes in your coworker’s hearing health, for example, by saying: “You have hearing loss”2.
Similarly, try not to pressure your coworker to act immediately, or suggest specific hearing aids2.
Share examples from your personal life if you have them, but don't make up or re-tell stories you’ve heard or read on the internet, as they can overwhelm some people2.
Ways to Offer Support and Resources
Supporting a Coworker With Hearing Changes
- Face your colleague when speaking and keep your voice clear and natural, rather than raising it3.
- Reduce background noise where possible, especially during discussions or meetings3.
- You can also speak to a manager to assist with these supportive ideas.
- Encourage a complimentary online hearing test rather than focusing on specific devices. This keeps the emphasis on getting a professional assessment and understanding what might be helpful.
- Mention workplace support such as HR programs, health benefits, or employee wellness initiatives that may already be available.
- Share educational resources about hearing health in a casual, informative way.
- If you’re a manager, you might also explore practical accommodations such as captioned video calls, written meeting summaries, or quieter spaces for important conversations1,4.
Sources:
1 HearUSA: How to recognize hearing loss in loved ones (2026): https://www.hearusa.com/blog/recognizing-hearing-loss-in-loved-ones/
2 HearUSA: Ask an expert: what should I say (and avoid saying) to someone with hearing loss. (2026): https://www.hearusa.com/blog/what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-hearing-loss/
3 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA): Tips for communicating with someone who has hearing loss. (2011): https://www.asha.org/about/press-room/articles/tips-for-communicating-with-someone-who-has-hearing-loss/
4 State Insurance Regulatory Authority NSW: Working with a hearing loss – a workplace adjustment toolkit. (2025): https://www.sira.nsw.gov.au/resources-library/injury-advice-centre/working-with-a-hearing-loss
