Job Accommodation Network
WORK-SITE ACCOMMODATION IDEAS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
Introduction
In the United States, it is estimated that there are more than 28 million Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing. According to the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) in an article titled, What is the Difference Between a Deaf and a Hard of Hearing Person?, the term "deaf" refers to individuals who are not able to hear well enough to rely on hearing and use it as a means for processing information. The term "hard of hearing" refers to individuals who have some hearing and are able to use it to communicate. The term "Deaf" is used as a cultural definition. "Deaf" references a community of individuals who are deaf and who share a common language, American Sign Language (ASL), and culture. The terms "deaf-mute" or "deaf and dumb" are not appropriate in the 21st century.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is the reduced ability to hear sound and may develop for various reasons. An individual may have a congenital loss, present at birth, due to an inherited medical condition or complications in gestation. Childhood or adult illness can result in total loss or a degree of hearing loss. The effects of aging, acute injury or progressive loss over time due to excessive or prolonged exposure to noise may also result in hearing loss for some people.
An article written by the American Academy of Otolaryngology, titled, About Hearing Loss, provides information regarding three types of hearing loss:
Conductive hearing loss is diagnosed when there are problems associated with the bones of the ear, the eardrum or the membranes that relay sound to the inner ear.
Sensorineural loss develops when there are problems associated with the nerves that transmit messages from the inner ear to the brain. Nerve damage often results from the aging process.
Mixed hearing loss is characterized by a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Measuring Hearing Loss
An audiologist is a professional who evaluates hearing loss. By administering hearing tests, an audiologist is able to chart measured hearing loss on a graph known as an audiogram. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the degree of hearing loss is determined by measuring hearing threshold. Hearing threshold refers to the levels in decibels (dB) at which a signal is just barely heard.
A mild hearing loss is characterized as 26-45 dB. Mild hearing loss may result in difficulty hearing soft voices, speakers at a distance or understanding conversation in noisy environments.
A moderate hearing loss is characterized as 45-65 dB. Conversation, even in quiet environments, becomes difficult in this range.
A severe hearing loss is characterized as 66-85 dB. At this level, hearing is difficult in all situations. An individual may benefit from amplification of a speaker's voice.
Lastly, an individual classified as having a profound hearing loss may not hear even loud speech or sounds. Generally, hearing would not be used as a primary method for processing information and communicating in the case of a profound hearing loss.
Treating Hearing Loss
Treatment of hearing loss will depend upon the type of hearing loss that is diagnosed. Congenital deformities of the outer or middle ear, resulting in a conductive hearing loss, can sometimes be corrected through surgery. Sensorineural hearing loss cannot be cured through surgery.
Hearing aids may be used in some situations for individuals who have either a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing aids can be beneficial but do not help instantly and do not always enable an individual to discriminate environmental sounds or understand speech.
A cochlear implant may be another option for some candidates. A cochlear implant is a device that is surgically implanted into the cochlea and aids the individual in hearing sounds through a magnet attached to a small body-worn computer.
Defining Hyperacusis and Tinnitus
According to the Hyperacusis Network, hyperacusis is a collapsed tolerance to normal environmental sounds. Due to a loss in dynamic range, the ear is not able to deal with sudden shifts of sound loudness. From the sound of turning pages to the cries of a baby, all sounds, not just loud sounds, create an uncomfortable listening experience.
The Hyperacusis Network states that many patients have seen improvement in sound tolerance through the use of sound generators (special hearing aids) that emit broad band white noise. Some individuals also benefit from listening to pink noise tapes.
Hyperacusis is often accompanied by a condition known as tinnitus or "ringing in the ears." According to the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, tinnitus and hyperacusis are diagnosed together in about 40% of individuals.
According to the American Tinnitus Association, tinnitus is the perception of ringing, hissing, or other sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. The Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Center of Ithaca, New York, reports that seventeen percent of the general population is affected by tinnitis.
Tinnitus is considered a symptom, not a disease, and is exacerbated by emotions, stress and sleep state. The symptoms can be treated through Tinnitus Re-Training Therapy (TRT) which is known to be successful for many people.
Individuals who may be deaf, hard of hearing or experiencing hyperacusis or tinnitus may require work-site accommodations to enable successful performance of essential job functions. Accommodations will not always be necessary, nor will they always be effective. The need for accommodation must be evaluated on a case by case basis. In seeking the answers to accommodation questions, it is essential to obtain input from the individual with the disability to achieve a successful accommodation outcome.
The following pages provide accommodation ideas based upon a non-inclusive list of functional limitations. The material is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered absolute solutions to all accommodation situations, especially since each situation must be evaluated individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an employer obligated to provide an interpreter as an accommodation in accordance with the ADA or the Rehabilitation Act?
A qualified interpreter may need to be provided as an accommodation under either law. Essentially, an employer has the obligation to provide an accommodation that will enable an individual to perform the job and communicate effectively. It is necessary for the employer to determine the communication needs of the individual in relation to the specific job tasks to be performed. Effective communication might be provided through alternative options as well, such as through written notes, computer assisted note taking, real time captioning, or a communication device.
When determining the type of accommodation necessary, an employer should consider the length and complexity of the communication. If the communication is complex in nature, such as informing a new or current employee about a health benefits plan or discussing disciplinary actions, it would likely be in both the employee's and the employer's best interests to have a qualified interpreter present. In situations where miscommunication can lead to serious consequences, it is imperative that effective communication occurs. However, for daily conversation, it may not be necessary to have an interpreter present. For example, the use of written notes, e-mail or instant messaging may be sufficient to provide effective communication. In some instances, coworkers have been interested in learning sign language to communicate with an employee who is deaf.
In situations where an individual's primary communication occurs through using American Sign Language (ASL) or some other form of manual communication, it may be necessary to provide an interpreter. Some individuals who are deaf may not have English skills because they may have only learned ASL. A language barrier may be an issue in this case. Consider the situation much like one where an individual may speak Spanish or French as their primary language. In this case, writing notes might not be an effective accommodation solution because the individual may not have the same skills in reading or writing English as someone who has known English as their primary language.
For more information, see the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) ADA Technical Assistance Manual for Title I, Chapter 3, 3.10.9 Providing Qualified Interpreters (http://www.jan.wvu.edu/links/ADAtam1.html#III).
If providing a qualified interpreter is a reasonable accommodation, then yes. According to the EEOC, employers are responsible for the cost of providing accommodations unless undue hardship would result.
It is important to consider providing an interpreter for the application and interview phases of employment if one has been requested as accommodation. Effective communication during application and interview is essential to landing that perfect job. To improve the likelihood of a good first impression, an interpreter may ensure that communication flows in a smooth and comfortable manner. However, employers do have the right to decide which effective accommodation will be provided. If it can be determined that an interpreter would not be considered a reasonable accommodation due to undue hardship, the employer can choose to provide an alternative, effective way of communicating.
A TTY or TDD is a text telephone that enables a person with a hearing or speech impairment to use the telephone and may be a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. When the employee's position requires the use of the telephone or if all employees are permitted to use the telephone for personal reasons, then the employer may be required to provide a TTY as an accommodation unless it would pose an undue hardship.A TTY is an auxiliary device that may allow a person who is deaf to perform a function of their job or to benefit from a privilege of employment. The same requirement would exist for providing some type of telephone amplification for a person who is hard of hearing.
According to Chapter III, Title I of the ADA Technical Assistance Manual, published by the EEOC, an employer is not obligated to provide an accommodation that is primarily for personal use. A personal device is a device that is used for activities of daily living on and off the job such as a hearing aid or a wheelchair. However, if such a personal device is primarily used to allow an individual to meet job related rather than personal needs, then an employer may be required to provide such an accommodation.
An employer is required to provide an accessible work-site to employees with disabilities who may need the accessibility. This regulation includes the provision of some form of emergency notification which is accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. An employer must consider adding strobe lights to an existing alarm system, installing a visual or vibrating alarm system, or maybe supplying a vibrating pager to alert employees with hearing impairments when the alarm has been tripped. Any facility under renovation or new construction must follow the specifications of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) which require audible and visual alarms. Contact the United States Access Board for more information about accessibility issues by calling 800-USA-ABLE.
Does the individual have a driver's license? People who are deaf or hard of hearing can drive motor vehicles. Hearing limitations typically do not keep people from obtaining a standard driver's license so, the individual will likely be able to drive company vehicles. There are devices available to alert individuals with hearing loss to emergency vehicles when driving. The individual may or may not use such devices.
Hearing loss may keep some people from obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has physical requirements for obtaining a CDL. Contact the USDOT Policy and Program Development, Driver and Carrier Operations Division at (202) 366-4001 to speak to a representative. To see the medical standards, check the web: Medical Advisory Criteria for Evaluation under 49 CFR Part 391.41 http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/medical.htm
Questions to Consider in the Accommodation Process
The following questions provide examples of issues to consider when embarking on the accommodation process. The information can be used as a guide but is by no means comprehensive with regard to the considerations that might be made in working through the accommodation process.
Diagnosis and Medical Aspects
1. What is the extent of the individual's hearing loss?
2. Is hearing loss the only limitation involved?
3. How does the individual communicate with others?
4. Is the individual wearing hearing aids?
5. Is the hearing aid equipped with a telephone coil (T-switch) or direct audio input feature?
Specifics about the Occupation and Job Tasks1. What is the occupation and employment status of the individual?
2. What job tasks are performed and which of the tasks are difficult as a result of the impairment?
3. How are the job tasks typically performed?
4. Is background noise an issue in the work environment?
5. Is communication difficult?
Supervisors
6. What are the potential workplace hazards?
7. What, if any, accommodations have already been implemented?
8. Is education of supervisory personnel and perhaps co-workers necessary?
Work-Site Accommodation Ideas
Individual Communication
One on one communication can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending upon the abilities of the individual and the context in which they must communicate.
The most basic form of daily communication might occur through written notes. Pen and paper can be handy at all times or the person might have a small dry erase or chalk board available. This will depend upon the context of the environment and communication that takes place.
Keep in mind, in some cases an individual who is deaf may not be able to read or write. A language barrier may exist in when ASL or some other form of manual or visual communication as the primary or only language the individual uses. If the individual does not read or write successfully, written communication will not be an effective form of communication. If written communication is not effective it may be necessary to provide a qualified interpreter who can interpret in the appropriate language.
Computers can be used in a number of ways to communicate one on one. Communication might involve individuals sitting side by side taking turns typing on the keyboard, use of email, instant messaging, chat or voice recognition software. Communication through a computer may be more convenient than writing notes back forth and should be easier to read than handwriting. Examples include:
Many work environments are now equipped with e-mail capabilities. E-mail provides a text method of communication that may be an effective means of communicating one on one with coworkers and supervisors.
Instant messaging is similar to e-mail but allows for real-time communication and eliminates delays in communication. It is possible to use an internet service available on the web or to create an internal, intranet, instant messaging system with the installation of software.
Internet chat offers the option of real-time communication in a text format but from a remote location. The benefit to chat is the ability to communicate in real-time as if individuals were speaking one-on-one in the same location.
Speech recognition software might be used effectively in one on one communication situations, though it would not be effective in situations involving multiple voices. A supervisor might use speech recognition when speaking to an employee who is deaf.For more information regarding speech recognition software, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/speechrec.html
ALDs enable an individual who benefits from amplification to focus directly on the sound source reducing distractions from background noise that can make it difficult to concentrate on conversation. Options to consider include FM systems, infrared or induction loop technologies. The speaker talks into a microphone or transmitter and the listener either uses the T-switch on their hearing aid or wears a receiver designed to work with the specific assistive listening device.
For more information regarding assistive listening devices, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol420
Generally, individuals tend to believe that if an individual is deaf he or she will only communicate through sign language and thus an employer may assume they are required to provide an interpreter. This is not always the case. Many individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing do not know sign language and can effectively communicate through text or other methods.
However, in some situations, communication through an interpreter may be the effective communication method. It is important to evaluate the length and complexity of the communication in order to determine if an interpreter will be needed. For example, for lengthy or technical meetings, interviews, explanation of employee benefits, disciplinary meetings or training, an interpreter may be most effective.
Coworkers and supervisors might be interested in taking a basic sign language training course to improve communication with an employee who uses sign. An employer may be willing to set-up a training class at the work-site, allow employee's to take time off to participate in a class or offer video-tapes and books that employees can take home with them. The option to learn sign should be voluntary unless there is a specific job requirement to know sign.
Communication devices provide communication access to people who have speech or hearing impairments. By typing words and sentences or touching pictorial symbols, someone with no speech or limited speech can use a synthesized voice or symbols to communicate. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can use communication devices to communicate in a text format or pictorial format in a face to face context. Such devices range from low-tech cards and pictures to high-tech portable, battery operated or electronic systems.
Currently, systems such as the iCommunicator (http://www.myicommunicator.com/) and the SignTel Interpreter (http://www.signtelinc.com/) provide on-screen sign language translation. For more information, see the websites provided.
For more information regarding communication devices, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol267
A TTY traditionally provides a text method of communication over the telephone for individuals who may be deaf or who have a speech impairment. A TTY can be used to communicate one on one in a face to face context as well. A TTY trainer device can be used to connect two TTY devices without the requirement to connect to telephone lines.
For more information regarding TTY products, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Hea84Groups, Meetings or Training Communication
Group communication can be difficult for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. There are many accommodation ideas that might be considered.
For individuals who are hard of hearing who benefit from amplification, assistive listening devices (ALDs) might be used during meetings, seminars or other group communication situations such as training courses. There are three major types of ALD technology: FM radio signal, infrared light, and induction loop systems. FM systems transmit sound via radio waves. FM broadcast frequencies (72-76 MHz) are designated for use by FM systems. Infrared systems use lightwaves to send electrical signals to receivers that convert the electrical signals back to electrical energy and then sound. Induction loops use electromagnetic transmission to send sound through a loop of wire surrounding a seating area. A personal amplified system is another ALD option for one-on-one conversations and home media purposes. The personal systems are very small and portable and involve the use of a small microphone and receiver.
For more information regarding assistive listening devices, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol420
Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may benefit from the use of Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services during small and large group communication situations when verbatim conversation is essential to effective communication. CART is described by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) as, "the instant translation of the spoken word into English text using a stenotype machine, notebook computer, and realtime software. The text appears on a computer monitor or other display. This technology is primarily used by people who are hearing-impaired or who are learning English as a second language." CART offers word for word translation and is provided by a professional who is skilled and trained in using the stenographic equipment. Many captioning services offer remote CART and internet captioning where the stenographer is not physically present at the event but can listen-in through a telephone line.
CART might be used as a work-site accommodation for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing. In situations such as a monthly or union meeting, workshop, seminar or awards ceremony, CART may be an effective communication solution to enable participation for someone who cannot hear during such events. CART services will typically need to be scheduled in advance so, such an accommodation would generally need to be requested or planned ahead of time. Always communicate with the individual with the disability to determine if CART will be an effective option. In some situations a sign language interpreter will be preferred or more effective as a communication solution.
For more information regarding CART services, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol491
Computer-assisted note taking equipment might be used to provide effective communication during group settings. Computer-assisted note taking involves the use of a laptop or personal computer, word processing software and possibly a PC projector. A typist participates in the group activity and acts as a note taker. The note taker types summaries of the communication taking place while the person who is deaf or hard of hearing either watches the computer monitor as she types or looks at the text projected on a wall or screen if a PC projector is used. Computer-assisted note taking is a relatively inexpensive accommodation option but the information provided is not verbatim.
Environmental factors should be considered during group communication situations. Be aware of background noise, lighting, seating and positioning. The individual who is deaf or hard of hearing may wish to sit close to the speaker. Use a round table rather than a square or rectangular table to open lines of sight for people who read lips. Hold meetings in rooms that are carpeted, free of office machines and away from paths of heavy traffic (people and vehicles) which create extraneous noise.
A qualified sign language interpreter might be used during group situations. According to the ADA, an interpreter must be qualified but not necessarily certified. The communication must be conveyed in an accurate, effective and impartial manner. A qualified interpreter should be familiar with any specialized vocabulary used during communication.
Interpreter costs vary across the country. Most interpreting services require notice in advance and will charge by the hour. If the event will last longer than two hours, many interpreting agencies will require that two interpreters be provided. Some interpreting services offer remote interpreting as an option where the interpreter can be video-conferenced into the meeting. Check with local sign language interpreting services for more information.
The standard meeting or training where all attendees gather in one room is really a concept of the past. Due to hectic schedules, widespread work-sites and distance learning needs, society is taking time to meet in remote ways to be more efficient and effective. Remote meetings can also be a way to accommodate employees who may be deaf or hard of hearing.
Meetings or training might take place via internet or intranet chat environments or down-loadable programs like NetMeeting. NetMeeting is a real-time communications tool from Microsoft that allows individuals to communicate in pairs or groups over the internet or intranet using audio, video and data communication. Meetings can simply involve using text communication in a real time format where all attendees can read the communication as it is typed or immediately as it is sent.
Internet or intranet instant messaging might also be used in this context for small group situations.
Standard note taking, agendas and meeting minutes after each meeting may be of some benefit. Prior to meetings or training courses, agendas or text materials might be provided to give an individual with additional preparation time to understand what will be communicated. A supervisor or meeting attendee might be available for one on one clarification of the individual's questions after the meeting if necessary.
Providing agendas and meeting minutes alone may not be a way of ensuring effective communication. These options do not enable active participation during the meeting or training. Consult the individual to ensure effective communication will take place.
An individual who is hard of hearing may find it useful to tape record meetings to be listened to after the meeting. The individual would have the advantage of hearing the tape in a controlled listening environment and the ability to rewind and playback conversation they may not understand. The tapes could also be transcribed.
Video conferencing might be a means of communicating when sign language might be used one on one or through an interpreter. The success of video conferencing will be dependent upon the size of the group and the quality of the video conferencing equipment. A TTY videophone is another option to be used in a video conferencing format. A TTY videophone allows for full view of the individual/group but also allows TTY communication directly on the TV monitor.
Speech recognition software may be an effective means of communicating one on one in a quiet environment or in a structured lecture-type training situation. Speech recognition software requires a speaker to speak to a computer while software translates the speaker's voice to text to be read on the computer monitor. The individual speaking would need to wear a microphone and train an individual voice file for the system to work. The speaker would also need to pay attention to their annunciation more than they normally would to get good results.
For more information regarding speech recognition software, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/speechrec.html
Telephone Communication
Telephone communication is often difficult for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Traditionally, two different technologies have been used for telephone communication, text telephone (TTY/TDD/TT) equipment and amplification. Amplification may be used when the individual has enough hearing to benefit from amplification. TTY equipment may be used when a person does not have enough functional hearing to understand conversational speech, even with amplification.
Amplification allows people who are hard of hearing to benefit from enhanced volume when using the telephone. Amplification can be provided through the handset, headset, in-line amplifier, portable amplifier or a control on a telephone base. Some assistive listening devices can be used to provide telephone amplification as well. Cellular telephones can also be used with amplification features and devices.
In addition to amplification, the adjustment of sound frequency may help someone who is hard of hearing in using the telephone. For some individuals, amplification is not as much the problem as is the need for clarity. Clarity can be achieved by adjusting the frequency or tone of the incoming voice when listening on the telephone.
For more information regarding amplification products, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol449
Wearing a telephone headset to perform essential job functions can be difficult for some individuals who wear hearing aids or who are hard of hearing. When hearing aids are worn, discomfort (feedback) is often reported due to the positioning of the telephone headset on top of or near a hearing aid. Individuals who do not wear hearing aids may also have difficulty hearing and understanding conversational speech on the telephone when using a headset.
HATIS Corporation manufactures the only headset available that is specifically designed for use by individuals with a moderate to profound hearing loss and who wear behind the ear (BTE), t-coil equipped hearing aids. For more information regarding HATIS products, go to http://www.hatis.com. Individuals who do not wear t-coil equipped hearing aids, may need to try a couple of different headsets and amplifiers or ways of wearing the headset before the individual is able to effectively use a telephone headset.
The following accommodation ideas may be considered:
Difficulty hearing due to background noise or the need for amplification
Difficulty wearing headset due to discomfort or feedback
A TTY might be used for telephone communication. With a TTY, the conversation is typed rather than spoken. Communication is direct with anyone who has a similar device or the Telecommunications Relay Service can be used as a third party communicator. Computers can be used to communicate with some TTYs. A TTY equipped with ASCII code allows communication with a computer. If the TTY does not have ASCII, the computer must have a modem that can translate Baudot code.
For more information regarding TTY products, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Hea84
To this date, speech recognition is not quite ready to be used as a speech-to-text tool over the telephone. There are some instances where speech recognition software is being used with commercial telephone systems like store directories or for telephone directory assistance, for example. But these situations are quite different from how the technology might be used in every day situations by individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in communication with individuals who have hearing over the telephone.
Accessing Voice-Mail Messages
The inability to access voice-mail messages can be very frustrating for people who are deaf or hard or hearing. If the individual benefits from amplification, perhaps an amplifier with a clarity function or equalizer may be effective in enabling understanding of the messages. If at all possible, do not use voice-mail. Messages could be filtered through a person rather than the automated telephone system. If another person is not available as a receptionist, messages might go through a messaging service or pager service as an alternative. The individual could then contact the messaging service for their messages or receive a text message on their pager. If the individual uses a TTY, perhaps the Telecommunications Relay Service might be used to access voice-mail.
Communicating with Workers in the Field
It is not uncommon for people to have to work from a location away from the main work-site. Communicating with a worker in the field who is deaf or hard of hearing is often an issue of concern.
In situations where two-way radios and CBs are normally used, a problem may arise. In order to reduce distance communication barriers, it may be necessary to consider other means of communicating. Cellular phones may be used in place of CBs and can be used with a portable TTY for people who are deaf or with an amplifier for people who are hard of hearing.
A portable TTY could be used at pay telephones or wherever the individual must work for the day. A TTY can also be used with a cellular telephone so the individual can make and receive calls whenever they need to without having to locate a telephone to use with the TTY.
For more information regarding TTY products, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Hea84
A vibrating pager could be an excellent option for distance communication. Many pagers operate over telephone lines while others are stand-alone units with a more limited range. Pagers can provide a full-length alpha message and may allow the individual to respond directly using the pager through the use of programmed messages. Two-way paging devices allow the receipt of full text communication as well as the ability to respond in full-length text.
A cellular telephone can be used with a TTY or an amplifier if the individual benefits from amplification. Wireless TTYs are also available and provide instant TTY access anywhere within a selected wireless data network. Such TTY devices also have e-mail, fax, text-to-speech and speech-to-text message availability. Mobile messaging devices can also be quite useful.
Lap top or palm top computers or similar communication tools could be an excellent option when communication does not necessarily need to be immediate. Communication can take place via e-mail, fax, instant messaging or chat.
Responding to Fire or Emergency Alarms
Alerting devices can be used to notify a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to sounds in the environment. An individual can be alerted to sounds such as an emergency alarm through vibration or a light signal. A transmitter detects certain sounds and then sends a signal to a receiver that vibrates or blinks a light.
Visual or tactile alerting mechanisms can be substituted for the traditional audible signal. Alarms can be purchased which have lights or lights can be hard wired to an existing system. It may also be helpful to monitor the auditory signal and then transmit a visual or tactile cue to a strategically placed receiver in the individual's work environment or a vibrating receiver that the individual can wear. The individual who is deaf or hard of hearing might also be alerted to emergency situations through a vibrating pager that may be tied-in to the existing fire alarm system.
For more information regarding alerting devices, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol419
Use of a "buddy system", where a coworker alerts the employee with a hearing loss to an emergency situation, can be useful but not fail-safe. The "buddy system" should not be relied on as the sole means of alerting an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing to emergency situations.
Other sounds in the work environment may need to be responded to. The type of alerting system used will depend upon the sound the individual needs to be alerted to.
Computers often provide some type of auditory cue to alert a user when an error is made, when e-mail has been received or when there is a problem with the equipment. Software is available which can substitute screen or cursor flashes for an auditory signal. Microsoft products have accessibility options that allow for such monitoring (Show Sounds and Sound Sentry). Macintosh computers have the option built-in as well.
Another option to consider as a means of alerting an individual with hearing loss to various sounds might be the use of a specially trained hearing dog. A hearing dog might alert an employee to a telephone ringing, a person entering the room or maybe abnormal machinery sounds. An employer might allow a hearing dog to be used as a work-site accommodation.
Hearing dogs are trained to work and are not simply pets. When a hearing dog is "on duty" the dog is not to socialize and will not if properly trained. Never pet an animal who is "on duty" without first asking for permission from the owner. At this time there is no national certification for service animals but a service animal will typically wear a harness or cape of some kind which will indicate that the animal is a "working dog".
For other sounds which may need to be heard such as a telephone, doorbell, alarm clock, buzzer, or malfunctioning equipment, a substitution of a visual or tactile signal might be used in place of an auditory one. This may be achieved by using a monitor/signaling device or by possibly hard wiring a light to a sound source for a visual cue. A vibrating signal can be very useful in the work environment. Vibration can alert a worker to a sound in their environment with minimal distraction to other coworkers.
For more information regarding alerting devices, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol419Difficulty with Extraneous Noises
Extraneous noises can be very distracting. Noise from radios, office equipment, traffic and employee conversations makes it difficult for someone who is hard of hearing to focus on important sounds in the environment. To block extraneous noise, sound absorbing products such as carpeting, ceiling baffles, wall panels or cubicles might be used. If possible, discontinue the use of personal stereos or provide the employee with a space free from extraneous sounds from copy machines, faxes or printers.
Responding to Vehicles in the Workplace
Employers are often concerned about the potential safety risks associated with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing working around or operating forklifts or other heavy equipment. Often workers are required to wear hearing protection that limits ability to hear activities in the work environment for both workers who may have hearing loss and those that do not. In response to concerns regarding workers with hearing loss, certain suggestions can be made:
Hearing Protection
The need to wear hearing protection often poses a problem for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. An employer may be concerned that a person who is hard of hearing will not be able to hear coworkers speaking to them. Some workers might benefit from wearing electronic hearing protection that allows the frequency range of the human voice (800-4000Hz) to be heard but filters out damaging noise. Certain sounds can be amplified with an adjustable volume control if desired. For more information regarding hearing protection, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol541
Accessing Information from Video Tape
It may be necessary to consider options for accessing information on video-tape as an accommodation.
If training videos are used for employment purposes, it may be necessary to purchase pre-captioned videos or caption existing videos. Closed or open captioning displays printed text of the auditory information on the TV screen. Closed captioning requires the use of a decoder to view the captions while open captioning displays the text automatically. The captions are just like captions displayed at the bottom of a screen in foreign language films. No special equipment is required to view open captioning. Videos can be captioned in-house if the proper equipment is purchased or videos can be sent out to a captioning service for a fee. As a general practice, employers should make an effort to purchase captioned training tapes.
If the individual who has the hearing impairment knows a form of sign language or reads lips through an oral interpreter, an interpreter might be provided during a viewing of a videotape that is not captioned.
A script of the video might be provided as a last resort. This method may be minimally effective for immediate viewing purposes because the individual will not be able to concentrate on the visual content of the video but could serve the purpose if the visual content is not of great significance to the information provided through the video.
Transcribing Information from Audio Tape
Accommodation options for transcribing taped material are limited. A Pressure Zone Microphone (PZM) attached to the recording device can be used to increase the quality of tape so a transcriber with hearing loss can be better able to understand the recorded information. Such a microphone can be obtained from a local Radio Shack. Direct audio-input devices, in-line amplifiers, sound equalizers or amplified headsets may also be helpful for the transcriber. Some individuals have success with using the T-coil in their hearing aid in conjunction with wearing the existing headset just in front of their ear.
Communicating with Customers or Clients
Employers often have concerns that if they hire an employee who is deaf to work with customers or clients that he or she may not be able to communicate with customers or may seem rude if the employee does not respond to sales questions. An individual who is deaf may be willing (must be voluntary) to wear a button or have a small sign in their workspace that indicates he or she has a hearing loss and to ask that the customer look directly at them when speaking. The customer may also be able to write a question on a notepad or a portable dry-erase board the employee may keep with them at all times.
Strategically placed mirrors can also be helpful to an employee who is deaf or hard of hearing. If the individual has their back to a customer, they may be alerted to the fact that the person is speaking by seeing the customer in the mirror. There may be many other options dependent upon the specific retail environment.
Taking Vital Signs
Professionals in the healthcare field may need accommodation due to hearing loss to assist with taking patients' vital signs.
Provided amplification would be of benefit, the individual may be able to use an electronic amplified stethoscope to listen to respiration, heart and other body sounds. Amplified stethoscopes are commonly used in noisy environments like emergency rooms. There are times when a person who uses a hearing aid may have difficulty using a stethoscope due to the aid. Most professionals do not want to take their hearing aids out every time they want to use the stethoscope. In this case, the individual may be able to benefit from the use of a specially made earmold, a walkman-style headset that can be plugged into the stethoscope or direct audio input.
For more information regarding alerting devices, go to JAN's Searchable On-line Accommodation Resource (SOAR) site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol292
To visualize heart sounds, the individual may be able to use a graphic auscultation system. Using the device an individual can record and then visualize heart sounds on a hand held portable graphic display. The digitized heart sounds can be frozen on the display, printed and analyzed for symptoms of cardiac disease.
Certain situations might allow for the use of portable, digital read-out blood pressure monitors. Using such a device the individual can visualize pulse and blood pressure.
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