According to findings from TruHearing’s 5th annual Hearing Loss in the Workplace survey, a major disconnect exists between the critical role hearing health plays in employee performance and the level of coverage employers offer to support it. The new data makes it clear: employees overwhelmingly value hearing benefits, and employers who overlook this crucial coverage risk compromising their workforce’s productivity and success.
TruHearing’s survey reveals the tangible risk hearing loss poses to job performance. A staggering 87% of employees confirm hearing loss would affect their work in some capacity, and more than half (53%) say hearing loss would majorly or severely impact their ability to do their job.
By contrast, only 34% of employees report dental issues would strongly impact their work. Despite the significantly lower threat to workplace productivity, employees are offered a path to address dental issues through their employer at a much higher rate, with 66% of employees reporting they are offered dental coverage, compared to the drastically lower 13% who are offered hearing benefits.
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“Employers are overlooking a silent threat that is impacting their employees’ productivity, health, and wellness,” said Trent Sterling, CEO at TruHearing. “When hearing issues go unaddressed, the impact ripples across communication, collaboration and even safety in the workplace. Our data shows that employees recognize this — and they’re asking for support.”
Nearly all employees (93%) agree it is important for employers to include hearing healthcare in their overall employee benefits package — and this sentiment isn’t limited to just those with hearing loss. Even among those without hearing difficulties, 91% still affirm the need for hearing benefits. Despite the clear consensus on their importance, hearing benefits remain strikingly rare.
Hearing health is crucial to employee effectiveness, yet employers are missing their opportunity to provide a pathway for care. By integrating hearing benefits into employee packages, companies can protect job performance, boost employee satisfaction and support long-term organizational success.
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