Step 4: Choose the Accommodation
Using a Telephone Headset
The function of wearing a telephone
headset to perform essential job functions can be difficult for some individuals
who wear hearing aids. Often times discomfort (feedback) is reported as
being a problem because the telephone headset rests on top of or near the
hearing aid the person may be wearing. Individuals may also have difficulty
hearing the conversation on the telephone when using a headset. There is
no particular headset that is designed or marketed as being compatible with
hearing aids from the perspectives of comfort or amplification. Generally,
the individual may have to try a couple of different headsets or ways of
wearing the headset before they become comfortable using one. Accommodation
suggestions include but are not limited to:
Difficulty hearing due to background
noise or the need for amplification
Use a headset that features
noise canceling technology to reduce problems associated with background
noise.
Use a headset that has features like volume control, an amplifier and
call clarity technology.
Use a headset that covers both ears to reduce problems associated with
background noise. Use a muff style headset
to completely cover the ear(s) to reduce problems associated with background
noise.
Reduce background noise in the environment to the extent possible.
Difficulty wearing headset due
to discomfort or feedback
Try wearing the headset ear
piece just in front of the ear.
Add extra cushioning to the ear piece. Could use extra ear pad foam or
modify a comfort ear pad/buff commonly used on telephone handsets.
Try an over the ear style ear piece if person wears in the canal hearing
aids so less pressure is placed on the ear(s) from the ear piece.
If the person does not have trouble using a standard telephone handset
rather than headset but still needs the benefit of hands-free telephone
use, there are devices available which can hold the handset up to the
person's ear. These devices can be placed over the head or can hold the
handset close to the ear by way of an adjustable gooseneck style telephone
holder. Consider the use of a speakerphone rather than headset. The environment
may have to be adapted to accommodate the use of a speakerphone if it
is an open environment.