Navigating public areas can be challenging for people with hearing loss. Everyday activities such as requesting directions or engaging in classroom discussions can turn into hurdles that impact inclusion and accessibility.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), various public-serving entities, including state and local government agencies, nonprofits and businesses, are required to ensure effective communication with those with communication disabilities, including hearing loss. The ADA requires entities to communicate equitably with all individuals. This can manifest in a few ways, depending on the organization.
Types of Accommodations
Inclusive Education
Schools are pivotal in ensuring that students with hearing loss receive the necessary accommodations to equally access educational opportunities. Examples may include:
- Assistive listening devices: These devices help enhance audio clarity by transmitting the teacher’s voice directly to the student.
- Closed captioning services: This service provides a real-time text version of spoken words and sounds during videos and live presentations.
- Sign language interpreters: These professionals offer sign language translation for students.
Workplace Accommodations
Workplaces have adapted to increase accessibility for employees with hearing loss, meeting legal standards, and fostering a more inclusive and productive work environment. Key workplace accommodations include:
- Visual alarm systems: These systems use flashing lights to signal emergencies for those who cannot hear auditory emergency alarms.
- Text-based communication tools: The use of email and instant messaging helps maintain seamless communication across all team members.
- Flexible work arrangements: Adjustments in work location or hours can be made to accommodate individuals. This assists with factors like listening fatigue, which may require periodic breaks for a person with hearing loss.
Everyday Activities
Public venues such as museums, grocery stores like Stewart Market and transportation systems have implemented features to assist those with hearing loss. These features include:
- Visual and tactile alerts: Public announcements may be accompanied by visual displays, such as signs that announce the next consecutive train or bus stops.
- Guided museum tours: Some institutions offer captioned audio guides or provide sign language interpreters for larger exhibits. There are also descriptive signs on most displays.
- Enhanced customer service: Many retailers have text-based customer service chats to aid with customer inquiries and services.
If you need specific accommodations in places you frequent or are unfamiliar with what could be available, talk with the staff at your local establishment to see what can be provided. Additionally, if you haven’t yet considered hearing aids, consult with a hearing specialist to understand your level of hearing loss and establish if hearing aids could benefit you.
For those uncertain about where to start with accommodations, it’s helpful to bring a loved one to your first appointment. To learn more and speak to a hearing specialist, contact Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute to schedule an appointment.
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.