title: Innovations in workplace accessibility and accommodation for persons with hearing loss: using social networking and community of practice theory to promote knowledge exchange and change.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite widespread availability of assistive technology and the role of occupational therapists and audiologists in workplace health, little is known about how these groups influence the health of workers with hearing loss.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Based on a previously conducted study, this paper explores the need for networking and community of practice theory to promote knowledge sharing and use between occupational therapists, audiologists, educators, regulators, workers, and employers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five occupational therapists and five audiologists participated in in-depth interviews. Grounded theory was used to investigate the processes that hinder or support these professionals in addressing the accommodation needs of and workplace accessibility for workers with hearing loss.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Constraints to addressing the needs of workers with hearing loss included: lack of knowledge about professional practice processes, lack of networking, lack of knowledge on current research, and lack of knowledge on the realm of expertise of audiologists by occupational therapists and of occupational therapists by audiologists.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Innovations in workplace practice in hearing loss require engagement of occupational therapists, audiologists, and employers in knowledge transfer, networking, and learning. This column introduces two theories that may guide the use and development of evidence, knowledge, and expertise toward innovations in hearing work practice.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shaw
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Jennings
authors.forename: Laya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Poost-Foroosh
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hodgins
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuchar
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003144:Communication Barriers; D006804:Ergonomics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009786:Occupational Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities; D012944:Social Support; D017132:Workplace
keywords: Community of practice theory; hearing loss; networking theory; occupational therapists and audiologists; workplace practice