Optimizing accessibility for hearing loss
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Over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss1. In the US, about 15 percent of all adults report some hearing difficulty2. In the U.S., hearing loss affects approximately one-third of people aged 65-74 and nearly half of those over 753.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes hearing loss as a loss greater than 35 decibels in the ear that hears better 1. Individuals who identify as Deaf or hard of hearing may experience a broad spectrum of hearing levels. These terms describe experiences rather than limitations.
The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Among people older than 60, over 25 percent are affected by disabling hearing loss1. Other common causes of hearing loss are infections, medication, a perforated tympanic membrane, otosclerosis, and neurologic conditions.
Design for accessibility is design for everyone
Not only people with permanent hearing loss benefit from the inclusion of their needs when designing software. People with temporary or situational hearing loss also have an easier time using software. Ear infections or extended periods of stress might worsen auditory perception temporarily. Situations with loud background noise (e.g. in public transit) or in which you have to stay quiet (e.g. in a library) are improved for everyone.
5 tips to optimize accessibility for those with hearing loss
SAP's Accessibility Design Tools, together with the Inclusive Research Handbook are built to encourage empathy-driven decisions. To facilitate inclusion, SAP Design has some tips on how and why to design products that are accessible for those with hearing loss.
Why? Audio cues in videos, podcasts, or voice instructions can often be inaccessible, causing important information to be missed. Video conferencing tools may lack real-time captions or transcription, and inaccessible social media features can limit participation.
Integrate robust chat and messaging features. Support speech-to-text tools that convert spoken words into text and vice versa. Provide user education about assistive technologies
Why? Many users are unaware of assistive technologies such as speech-to-text apps, limiting their communication options.
Incorporate vibration alerts and notifications alongside audio cues to ensure important updates are perceived by all users.
Why? Audio-only alerts can be missed by users with hearing loss.
Use visual signifiers such as icons, color changes, or message banners to communicate errors and warnings clearly.
Why? Relying solely on sound for warnings or errors excludes users with hearing loss.
Support live transcription and captioning features during meetings to ensure inclusive communication.
Why? Users with hearing loss may feel excluded without live transcription during one-on-one or small group conversations.
How SAP Designs with Accessibility in Mind
Technology keeps changing, but our commitment to accessibility remains constant. We’re focused on making sure innovation moves forward without leaving anyone behind. To achieve that goal, we are actively innovating how accessibility considerations can be integrated in all parts of the Product Development Lifecycle – especially in early phases, like design.
Check out SAP's Accessibility Design Tools and stay tuned for our next big step towards easier implementation of accessibility in designs!
Passionate about creating inclusive digital experiences?
Explore SAP's Accessibility Design Tools and stay tuned for new tools coming soon!
References
- WHO Deafness and Hearing Loss, 2025: World Health Organization. "Deafness and Hearing Loss."
- Vital Health Stat 10, 2014. "Summary health statistics for U.S. adults: national health interview survey, 2012."
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. "Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)."