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Accommodation Process
Questions to Consider

The following pages provide basic information regarding questions that might be considered when determining accommodations for individuals with hearing impairments. An accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job, work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables a qualified individual with a disability to enjoy an equal employment opportunity. JAN views accommodations as a way to bridge the distance between the maximum ability of the individual and the essential functions of the job. 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.

Specific Diagnosis and the Medical Aspects Involved

1. What is the extent of the individual’s hearing loss?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Does the individual have any hearing at all?
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Will the individual benefit from amplification?
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Does the individual have audible and understandable speech?

2. How does the individual communicate with others?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Does the individual use ASL, Signed English etc?
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Does the individual read and write?
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Does the individual rely on other people, pen and paper or personal devices to communicate?
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Does the individual have audible and understandable speech?

3. Does the individual use a hearing aid(s)?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet If hearing aids are being used, the person will likely benefit from amplification in other forms as well. Use of a hearing aid can also create opportunities for using hearing aid specific assistive listening devices (ALDs) like hearing-aid compatible telephones, personal neck loops and audio induction loop assistive listening systems.

4. Does the hearing aid have a telephone coil (T-switch) or direct audio input feature?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet A T-switch is a small switch on a hearing aid that acts like an antenna. When the hearing aid is ON it will receive magnetic signals directly from the telephone allowing the individual to receive the communication directly through their hearing aid.

Specifics about the Occupation and Job Tasks

1. What occupation is the person involved in?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Clerical
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Laborer
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Sales
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Professional
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Medical
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Teaching etc.

2. What job tasks are performed and which of the tasks are difficult as a result of the hearing loss?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Communicate using the telephone or two-way radio
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Respond to normal signals, emergency signals, abnormal machine sounds or vehicles
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Communicate in meetings, one-to-one, in training or classes
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Take vital signs

3. How are the job tasks typically performed?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Ask as many questions as necessary to get a clear concept of how the job is performed. This includes information regarding equipment available, equipment used, methods of performing the tasks, etc.

4. Is background noise a problem in the work environment? What is causing the noise?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Machines
Small Triangle Blue Bullet People talking
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Music
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Busy hallway, meeting room or elevator near workspace

5. Is communication a problem?

6. Who does the person need to communicate with?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Supervisors
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Co-workers
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Clients
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Customers

7. How does communication typically take place?

Small Triangle Blue Bullet Face to face
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Telephone
Small Triangle Blue Bullet Computer
Small Triangle Blue Bullet In-the-field

8. Are there potential workplace hazards? What measures have been taken to correct the hazards such as audible and visual fire alarms or vibrating pagers? Have the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) been evaluated if appropriate?

9. What, if any, accommodations have already been implemented?

10. Is education of supervisory personnel and perhaps co-workers necessary?

General education about disability and factors affecting an individual’s ability to do the job may make for a better work environment. Such education should not be used to single-out the person with the disability. An overall disability awareness initiative is best.

Go to JAN's publication on the Job Accommodation Process for further information.


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Accommodations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you need additional information or would like to discuss the information
presented here, contact JAN directly.

SOAR is brought to you by the Job Accommodation Network, a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor. The information does not represent a statement of policy by the U.S. Department of Labor.
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