Challenges for Deaf People in the Workplace and How To Overcome Them

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The above picture is of a man and a woman signing to each other.

In the United States, approximately 30 million people over the age of 12 have some form of hearing loss. 

For those with any disability, securing employment is one of the most valuable ways that they can assert their independence. However, deaf people face many unique challenges in the workplace. With one in eight Americans struggling with hearing, it is surprising that employers don't accommodate deaf employees. 

Understanding these challenges is the first step in overcoming them. 

Keep reading to learn about the challenges deaf people face and how employers can help make the workplace more accommodating.

Finding Meaningful Employment 

One of the main struggles that a person with a disability can face is finding employment, to begin with. 

Employers can see this disability as a barrier to communication and might hesitate to hire a deaf person. They not only have to prove themselves as worthy of hiring, but they also might have to hire an interpreter for the interview. 

Depending on the level of someone's hearing, a sign language interpreter is one way to help an employer communicate with a deaf employee. This can come with added administrative processes and costs for the employer. They might have the same credentials as another candidate but if the other can hear, they are more likely to get hired. 

There are certain laws that prevent discrimination of any disability in the employment process but it is difficult to enforce those laws. 

A deaf career center can help those with hearing disabilities find employment.

Coworker Communication

Once a deaf person has been hired for a job, there are more barriers that they can face in the workplace. 

One of the biggest challenges for deaf people is being able to communicate effectively with their coworkers. While they might have had a sign language interpreter during the interview, it is not guaranteed that they will have one for their job. 

Co-workers might be hesitant to communicate with a deaf employee if they are not familiar with sign language. They might even hesitate to involve the deaf employee in a work project. 

Defaulting Blame for Work Mistakes on Hearing Issues 

For those that are hard of hearing, any mistakes that they make in the workplace might be blamed on their disability. Like any other employee, they want a chance to explain how and why the mistake was made. 

When it comes to communication, studies show that only 7% is verbal, and 38% is vocal, meaning that the other 55% of communication is non-verbal. A deaf person is able to pick up on facial expressions, body language, posture, and physical distance. 

Employees and management disregarding how competent deaf people are is another challenge that deaf people face in the workplace. 

Following Emergency Procedures

The systems and procedures that alert us to an emergency rely on our auditory ability. However, someone who is hearing impaired would be unable to hear a smoke or an evacuation alarm. 

This is another challenge that deaf people face in the workplace. They cannot rely on important auditory announcements like the rest of the employees. 

How to Overcome Workplace Challenges for Deaf People 

There are several ways to make the workplace safer and more accommodating for a deaf person. With small changes in communication and equipment, you can help set up a deaf employee for success at work.  

Improving the Office Set-Up 

Creating an office environment that is conducive for a deaf person is a great way to improve communication. Here are some ways to make the office a space that is friendly for hard of hearing: 

• Ensure that the office has good lighting, both natural and artificial 
• Create a communal space for meetings without barriers such as glass or wide desks
• Speak closely to the deaf employee 
• Ensure there is minimal background noise 
• Install a telephone typewriter for deaf employees to type and the device to interpret speech 
• Use email and fax to communicate with a deaf employee 
• Enhance the telephone volume 
• Use teleflash on the phone to add a flashing light when the phone is ringing

These are a few small ways to improve the office environment for a deaf person. Even small changes can make a big difference. 

Creating New Ways to Communicate

Finding new and creative ways to communicate is a great way to help overcome challenges for deaf people in the workplace. 

Training and educating current employees on how to effectively communicate with a deaf employee is a good place to start. Here are some ways that you can educate your employees and encourage communication: 

• Use a sign language interpreter for the first week to help employees acclimatize 
• Provide a training session on how to communicate non-verbally with deaf employee 
• Create a universal rule for getting the deaf employees attention such as a tap on the shoulder 
• Use of name tags to get the deaf employee familiar with their coworkers

These are a few easy ways that you can accommodate a deaf employee in the workplace. Not only can they be an asset to your team, but they can also open up the mind of your current employees for new ways of communication. 

Adjusting Safety and Emergency Procedures

Understanding emergency procedures is essential in the workplace. Many emergency alerts rely on alarms or sounds to indicate that there is a problem. 

The following suggestions can make it safer for a deaf person to know when there is an emergency situation: 

• Install flashing lights to smoke alarms
• Organize an evaluation plan that involves a buddy system 
• Use phone text vibration to alert when there is an emergency 
• Fit flashing lights to alert employees of evaluation 

Safety in the workplace is crucial and ensuring all employees are aware of the procedures is very important. These adjustments will make any workplace a safer place for those with a hearing disability. 

Understanding and Overcoming Workplace Challenges for Deaf People 

One of the most important parts of overcoming workplaces challenges for deaf people is understanding what they are. For those without a hearing disability, it is easy to overlook some of the challenges that deaf people face. To make a workplace conducive for a deaf person, an employer can enhance the office environment, educate employees on new forms of communication, and adjust safety procedures to accommodate deaf employees. 

If you have a hearing disability and you're looking for employment, be sure to visit our website and start building your resume with us today!