Deaf and hard of hearing support at work

There is a lot you can do to support employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. That might include giving information in different ways and simple changes to workspaces. You can also get funding for workplace changes and interpreting services.

Deafness and hearing loss at work

How an employee’s hearing affects the way they work can depend on:

• the type and level of hearing loss
• what industry the person works in
• the assistive technology available for them
• the support at work.

Deafness or hearing loss may affect how a person communicates. It can hinder their ability to give and get instructions, join meetings, and interact with customers.  

Understanding deaf and hard of hearing

Deaf or hard hearing can range from very mild to profound, also called complete hearing loss. Most people have mild hearing loss and communicate by speaking. People with complete hearing loss – who are deaf – may communicate in Auslan.

Auslan, or Australian Sign Language, is the Deaf community’s language. Auslan has its own grammar and ways of making meaning and is not based on English. A deaf person might not identify with the Deaf community. Also not all deaf people use Auslan. 

For detailed information and resources on deaf and hard of hearing see the healthdirect website. You can find information on deafblindness, also called dual sensory loss, through Deafblind Australia.

Making workplace adjustments to support your staff

If your employee is deaf - has profound hearing loss - ask them how they prefer to communicate. This may include lipreading, Auslan, written instructions or a mix of these.

Supporting clear communication

To help employees who lipread or use visual hints to understand, you can:

• get the person’s attention by waving your hand where they can see it, or tapping them on the shoulder
• look directly at the person so they can see your face clearly
• avoid speaking in areas with little space or poor lighting
• avoid talking while eating or smoking
• listen attentively and use effective communication skills
• use body language, gestures and physical demonstrations.

For employees with mild or moderate hearing loss, avoid sharing key information in noisy areas.

Giving information in different ways

You can support employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. Provide information in different formats. For example:

• make sure all videos, such as training videos, have captions and transcripts
• use emails, whiteboards, written job cards or handouts to support spoken messages
• for staff meetings, use visual presentations, written agendas and meeting minutes
• provide webcams for those who use sign language to communicate.

If the employee uses Auslan, think about using an interpreter for key meetings and training.

Using technology and services

There is a range of assistive listening devices and other technology that can support employees who are deaf or hard of hearing. These include:

• captioning and real-time captioning services
• amplification or FM systems – the speaker uses a microphone, which improves sound for the person listening with a receiver
• personal amplifiers
• hearing loops, or induction loops are connected to a PA system. They improve sound for a person wearing a receiver within the loop area
• visual alerts – such as devices that use light and vibration
• paging devices
• ticket machines with number displays – this can be helpful if your employee needs to call out to customers or clients at their workplace.

If the employee has a hearing aid with Bluetooth, they can use this with other amplification and notification technology.

Setting up work areas and meetings

There are a few simple physical adjustments you can make to help employees with hearing loss. You can:

• set up workstations so the employee is facing co-workers or entrances. This helps them see what is happening and not be surprised by people appearing suddenly
• let the employee have a place in the middle and towards the front of the room during meetings
• if the employee has better hearing in one ear, set them up with their ‘better’ ear towards the source of the sound.

Using an Auslan interpreter

If you have an employee who uses Auslan, there may be times an Auslan interpreter can help in the workplace. Auslan interpreters can work on site or remotely. Your employee may be able to get funding for interpreting services through the Employment Assistance Fund.

Auslan interpreters are also available for calls using the free National Relay Service (NRS).  For more information about the NRS, visit the National Relay Service website.

Financial support for workplace changes

The Employment Assistance Fund helps fund work-related changes, equipment and services. It helps people with disabilities get and keep a job. The Employment Assistance Fund can also be used for:

• Auslan interpreters for key training sessions or meetings
• Auslan awareness training, by a Registered Training Organisation for co-workers so they can support employees who are deaf.

To work out if your employees are eligible, see the full guidelines.

Hearing aids

The Employment Assistance Fund doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids as they are considered medical aids. A Hearing Aid Bank or the Australian Government Hearing Services Program may be able to help people who can’t pay the full cost of their hearing aids.