The hidden disability costing workers promotions and pay 

The hidden disability costing workers promotions and pay 
 
Study reveals impact of hearing loss in the workplace 

Millions of workers may be struggling in silence as experts warn untreated hearing loss can affect confidence, communication, career progression and even earning potential. 

Missing key points in meetings, avoiding speaking up and feeling exhausted after a day of concentrating on conversations may be familiar frustrations for many employees, but experts say they could also be signs of undiagnosed hearing loss affecting performance at work. 

Career prospects at risk 
A major UK study suggests untreated hearing loss doesn’t just affect life at home – it could also be limiting career prospects. 

The EuroTrak UK 2025 survey of more than 15,000 people found that among hearing aid users who wished they had sought help sooner, more than a quarter (27%) believed delaying treatment had harmed their performance at work. 

The research also found many hearing aid users believe untreated hearing loss can affect career opportunities. Nearly half (46%) agreed people with untreated hearing loss are less likely to be promoted, while 42% believed they are less likely to get the job they deserve. More than a third (36%) believed untreated hearing loss can leave people underpaid. 

Around one in three employed hearing aid users (33%) also said that wearing hearing aids would enable them to stay in work for longer. 

Once they started wearing hearing aids, many reported improvements extending well beyond hearing itself.

Around 41% said their success at work had improved, while 43% reported better relationships with colleagues. Many also said they experienced better communication (71%), increased confidence (50%) and improved mental wellbeing (40%). 

Employers can help 
The findings reflect growing concern that hearing loss remains one of the least understood hidden disabilities in the workplace. 

Employees with hearing loss can struggle to follow discussions in meetings, contribute confidently on video calls or hear colleagues in busy open-plan offices. Over time, this can affect confidence, visibility and performance, meaning talented employees risk being overlooked for opportunities simply because they cannot hear clearly. 

Employers can make a significant difference through simple adjustments such as improving meeting accessibility and creating a workplace culture where people feel comfortable asking for support. 

Paul Edmondson, Senior HR Consultant at HighBarHR, said: “Hearing loss is often an invisible disability and employees can easily be misunderstood. Someone who appears quiet in meetings, asks colleagues to repeat themselves or misses information isn’t necessarily disengaged or underperforming – they may simply be struggling to hear. 

“Employers who make small adjustments, such as providing captions on video calls, sharing written meeting notes and ensuring everyone can see the face of the person who is speaking, can help talented employees perform at their best while creating a more supportive workplace for everyone.” 

One in three affected 

According to the RNID, one in three UK adults now lives with some form of hearing loss or tinnitus, yet the EuroTrak survey found that almost half of those affected don’t wear hearing aids. Many say they don’t believe their hearing is bad enough, despite experiencing difficulties.

Ben Yang, audiologist at Ceretone, said: “Hearing loss often develops so gradually that people adapt without realising how much extra effort they’re putting into simply keeping up. By the end of the working day, they can feel physically and mentally exhausted as a result. 

“Hearing loss doesn’t just affect conversations – it can affect careers. When someone spends all day trying to fill in the gaps of what’s being said, they have less energy to contribute ideas, build relationships and perform at their best. Many people assume they’re becoming less confident or that they’re struggling with workload, when in reality they’re simply working much harder than everyone else just to hear. 

“Getting help earlier can improve communication, confidence and make everyday working life much less tiring.” 

Keeping costs down 
Traditional hearing aids can cost thousands of pounds through private providers, causing many people to delay treatment. New ready-to-wear hearing aids, including those from Ceretone, are now available from under £130 following changes to UK regulations. 

Ben Yang added: “People often assume getting hearing aids means spending thousands of pounds and making repeated visits to a clinic. Following recent changes to UK regulations, that’s no longer the only option. 

“High-quality hearing aids are now available directly to consumers at a fraction of the traditional price, making it easier for people to seek help before hearing loss begins affecting their work, relationships and wellbeing.”