A lot of desk-based roles will require you to use a telephone. This can present a number of challenges, especially as using the telephone can often lead to a change in posture:
- Lengthy or frequent phone calls
Having to hold the telephone to your ear for long periods of time can lead to pain and discomfort in your hand, wrist and arm. It can also lead to fatigue.
- Multi-tasking
You may often find that you need to use your computer while on the telephone. To do so, a lot of people might choose to rest the phone on the shoulder and hold it in place by tilting their head to one side, so they’re hands are free to type.
This might be fine to do temporarily or every so often, but it’s important to recognise the impact this will have on your posture — doing this frequently or for long periods could lead to shoulder, back and neck pain.
- Dialling
If your condition affects the dexterity in your hands and fingers, you may find it difficult to dial telephone numbers on the keypad.
- Difficulty hearing
If you often find it difficult to hear the person on the other end of the line, you might be doing things subconsciously to try and remedy that, such as pressing the phone closer to your ear, holding your head to one side, or leaning closer to the base. All of these can affect your posture, put additional stress on your joints, and lead to pain or fatigue.
Solutions
There are a number of solutions you can use to make using the telephone easier and more comfortable.
- Use a headset
Using a headset can be really beneficial if you:
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- Spend a lot of time on the phone
- Often have lengthy phone calls
- Find it difficult to hold a phone
- Need to use the computer while on the phone
When looking for a headset, keep in mind that it will need to be compatible with the phone system you’re using. If you’re unsure about what to look out for, speak to your manager or a member of the IT team.
You should also make sure that:
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- The ear pieces are comfortable (and have replaceable covers)
- The headset isn’t too heavy
- The headset is compatible with your glasses or hearing aid
Most suppliers will have options for wired and wireless headsets. It’s advisable to choose a wireless headset as this will help to keep your workspace clear and will provide more freedom and flexibility over your posture.
- Adjust the volume
If you have difficulty hearing while using the telephone, speak to your employer about using a phone with an amplifier. Another option is to use a noise-cancelling headset.
For more helpful advice and information on hearing loss, visit the RNID website.
- Test the buttons
When searching for a new telephone, be sure to test out the buttons. A telephone with larger buttons may be the best option, and it’s important to check how difficult they are to press down, too.
If you’re shopping online, dig into the reviews to see if anyone else has had any issues with dialling numbers or navigating the menu on the telephone.
