Hearing Impairment Done Right

Oscar is a tech enthusiast and enjoys connecting with the world around him via the web. However, due to his hearing impairment, he always finds some kind of barrier whenever websites do not provide proper alternatives to audio content. Captions, transcripts, or other visual alternatives are paramount for Oscar to take advantage of full multimedia in a video, podcast, or website. Without these, Oscar feels missing out on crucial parts of the experience.

For Oscar, that means web accessibility provides text alternatives to audio-based content so he can receive information and entertainment just like everybody else.

What is Hearing Impairment?

More than 5% of the world’s population has some form of hearing loss, which makes audio-dependent content tricky for people like Oscar. Without subtitles or transcripts, important info can be lost.

Key Insight: Websites that rely heavily on audio content should offer text-based alternatives, like captions or transcripts, to ensure everyone gets the full message.

Critical Challenges for Oscar

No captioning or transcripts: Videos and podcasts that aren't captioned, let alone transcribed, provide Oscar with partial access.

Audio cues without a visual alternative: If a site uses sounds, such as notification chimes or audio instructions, and there is no visual notification, Oscar will be left out.

No provision of ASL: If a website does not provide any American sign language for complex content, Oscar will find it very irritating to understand.

What Works for Oscar

Video Captions: Oscar has full access to the content of video media by providing accurate, synchronized captions.

Podcasts and Audio Transcripts: Transcriptions of all audio input should be provided in text format, allowing Oscar to read and then re-read the information at his own pace.

Visual Notifications: If an alert comes in the form of an audio notification, provide visual notifications for every auditory one, such as pop-ups or blinking icons.

Complex information in the resources: Adding ASL videos or other ASL resources for complex details has made the information much more accessible to someone like Oscar, who relies on ASL.

Fun fact

Everything in Oscar's life is about technology. He's always among the first to try a new gadget. He simply loves trying out new technologies once they've been adapted for inclusive and accessible usage.

Why Web Accessibility Matters to Anyone: About Hearing Impairment

Most obviously, designing web content for users with hearing impairments -like Oscar's- will help the general population. Captions, transcripts, and visual notifications may let users consume content in loud environments or choose to consume it without sound, period. Accessible design is better design for anyone.

Oscar's Must-Do Checklist for Hearing-Friendly Websites

(WCAG Focus: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable)

1. Provide Captions for All Videos (WCAG 1.2.2): Ensure that all video content includes accurate captions that are synced with the audio.
2. Offer Transcripts for Audio Content (WCAG 1.2.1): Provide transcripts for all audio content, including podcasts, to make information accessible to those who can’t hear.
3. Use Visual Alerts for Sound-Based Cues (WCAG 1.4.2): If your website uses audio notifications, provide visual alternatives such as pop-up messages or flashing icons.
4. Ensure ASL Accessibility Where Needed (WCAG 1.2.6): For complex content, provide ASL videos to make the material more accessible for users who rely on sign language.
5. Avoid Auto-Playing Audio (WCAG 1.4.2): Disable auto-playing audio that doesn’t have visual cues or controls, so Oscar can manage his experience.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about designing for hearing impairments: WebAIM - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Accessibility‍
• Add subtitles with tools like Rev or Otter.ai