There are approximately 18 million people in the UK with hearing loss or tinnitus, which makes it the second most common disability in this country. With over half of the population aged 55 or more experiencing hearing loss.
Hearing impairments vary tremendously. Some people will be unable to hear anything at all, while others may have restrictive hearing in terms of range and frequency. Those with tinnitus may experience a constant noise, often described as ‘ringing’ or ‘whistling’ in the ears.
Hearing loss can happen gradually over time, so people may not initially notice it, if there are concerns about hearing loss you should advise that colleagues visit their GP.
British sign language
From the 2022 UK Census Data the total number of people who use British Sign language is estimated to be 151,000, of these 22,000 use British Sign language as their main language.
BSL is a language with its own grammar construction, differing to the English known in the hearing world.
Employers and colleagues should respect and support the chosen method of communication a person chooses to use. An individual may have difficulties reading or communicating in written language, the reasons for this are varied and complex but a person’s level of fluency in English should not be viewed as a reflection of their intelligence.
You may find there are occasions when an interpreter is required; they will need to be booked well in advance, usually between 2 – 6 weeks. The person requiring the interpreter may have access to a language professional they use regularly and may prefer to use them. When making the booking, provide the interpreter with as much information as possible i.e. the type and length of session, plus advice on any video or presentation slides.
Below are some websites regarding engaging the services of an interpreter should one be needed:
- The Association of Sign Language Interpreters (ASLI) recommends that only registered interpreters are used in the workplace.
- The National Register of Communication Professional working with Deaf and Deaf blind People (NRCPD) holds the register for BSL/English Interpreters. NRCPD have qualification requirements for admission into each registration category.
Health and safety
Hearing impaired workers often face greater challenges when it comes to working safely around machinery and responding to emergencies. This is because they may be unable to hear audible alarms, such as fire alarms and those on moving vehicles.
Employers may need to install visual or tactile alarms to alert them to the dangers; appointing key members of staff to assist the person may also be required.
Access to technology
There are many types of listening devices to help improve audibility in specific listening situations. Some are available for use with hearing aids and others designed to work alone. Telephones with in-built amplification, flashing lights or mini-com are just some examples of the tools available. Talk to the individual to assess their needs.
Training and support
There is a vast range of information and professional training available for employers who have staff with hearing impairments – you may wish to consider the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) as a starting point.
The RNID provides employment advice and training courses for those who are deaf or hard of hearing, they also offer support to employers and training providers across the UK. You may wish to speak with someone in your HR department or Occupational Health team (if you have one in place) for further information on your company policies and how to access these services.
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act requires employers and providers of goods and services to the public to make reasonable adjustments to assist those with a disability – this includes in recruitment, employment and their ability to access goods and services.
Reasonable adjustments might include providing communication aids or services such as sign language interpreting. For further details on the law in relation to disability in the workplace and the provision of communication aids you should refer to your HR department.
General guidance on communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing
When speaking to someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, try to:
- Attract the person’s attention before speaking
- Make sure they can see your face clearly
- Use plain language – speak clearly and form your words correctly
- Maintain your natural rhythm and volume of speech
- Use gestures, signs, clues – many words use the same lip movements
Try to avoid things such as:
- Standing with your back to a window – this will cast a shadow on your face
- Shouting – voices become distorted when we shout
- Speaking slowly or exaggerating your lip movements
Remember unfamiliar accents may be difficult to decipher. Beards and moustaches can also obstruct the mouth of the person who is talking, making it harder to lip read.
Below is some guidance to help support staff who are deaf or hard of hearing during events or meetings:
- Clearly display the agenda and provide written notes prior to the meeting/training.
- Ask people to raise their hands if they wish to speak, and to speak one at a time.
- Repeat any questions out loud that are asked by other people.
- Explain any slides/videos prior to showing them. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing will not be able to read slides or watch a video at the same time as lip-reading the presenter or following sign language. Subtitles or a transcript may be useful in these scenarios.
- Remember that dimming the lights during presentations may obscure the faces of people – making it harder to lip read.
- Where appropriate seat the group in a circle so that the faces of all participants will be visible.
Ref: WPW0157 This post was reviewed in July 2024.
