By Sarah Toler, Au.D. (NAPSA)—Technology continues to transform all aspects of work in America, making it easier to communicate and improving productivity. Modern workplace technology has also unlocked new possibilities for people with hearing Joss and the companiesthat hire them. New tools and software let them overcome many ofthe challenges that may haveimpededtheir career success in the Today's technology can make work past, helping them to worktotheir full potential as high-performing employ- ees. While hearing aid technology cer- tainly helps, many other technologies developedfor the workplace can transform how employees with hearing loss go about their workday. Helpful New Technology Here’s a lookatfour ofthelatest: 1. Video technology—The use of video in the workplace has growntre- mendously and its becomeeasier and moreaffordable to use this medium in introductions on your career page,ori- entation materials for new hires, and ongoingtraining programsfor employ- ees. By makingsure these videosinclude closed captioning, this powerful tool can help people with hearingloss learn about yourorganization, get up to speed once on the job andkeeplearning throughout their careers. 2. Instant messaging—Face-to-face meetings, phonecalls and videoconferencing can all bedifficult for employees with hearing loss. If they can't make out what's beingsaid, they could miss important details or work directions. The growing use of instant messag- ing software in the workplace helps eliminate that problem. There are now numerous platforms for communicating one on oneorin groupchats, letting employeeswith hearing difficulty easily understand their managers andpeers. 3. Voice-to-text devices and apps— Special telephonesthattranslate a speaker’s voice into readable text have been around for years but new technology takes it a step further. Many apps can translate speech directly via a smart- life easier for people who have a hard timeheari A, Videorelay service—For employ- ees who rely on sign language, work meetings can pose some challenges, especiallyif live interpreterisn’t avail- able. However, through video relay ser- vices, a live sign languageinterpreter can help connect the two parties. Through video from a smartphone or other device, the interpreter can translate whatthe otherparty saysinto sign lan- guage for the hard-of-hearingindividual during an interview or an important business meeting. Including People With Hearing Loss In The Conversation With today’s advanced technology, including discreet yet powerful hearing aids, it's easier than ever for someone with hearing challenges to communicate at work. By removing barriers that traditionally limited how such individuals interacted with their colleagues, employees with hearing loss can be active participants and contributors in any worksituation, from business-critical meetings to friendly discussions with their co-workers. For Learn More further signiausa.com. facts, visit www. + Dr. Toler is a Clinical Education Specialist for Sivantos, Inc. Priorto join- ing Sivantos, she worked in both ENT and private practice settings and has dinical skills and proficiency with all major hearing aid manufacturers, as well as diagnosing and counseling adult patients with hearing loss or tinnitus. phones microphone anddisplay what's Herareas of expertise include activating said onthedevice’s screen.This provides andprogrammingboth cochlearimplants a more portable and accessible way to and osseointegrated devices in adults. In ensure those with hearing loss don't miss addition, she has experiencein vestibular out on importantwork conversations. assessmentand diagnosis.
