Hearing Loss Survey: How Technology Empowers the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
We collected data through a comprehensive and accessible survey involving over 300 Deaf or Hard of Hearing individuals who currently use hearing assistive technology. Our goal: to understand how new tools are transforming lives — and what challenges still remain.
Empowering the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence
This survey highlights the significant barriers that Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives, but also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology.
With access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.
Key Findings
The survey reveals both significant challenges and remarkable progress in communication accessibility
Workplace Impact
Communication barriers hinder career mobility and job opportunities
Healthcare Challenges
Barriers contribute to delays in treatment and care
Emergency Communication
Worry about contacting healthcare personnel during emergencies
Independence Boost
Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence
Emotional Strain
Reported emotional distress from communication frustrations
New Opportunities
Improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies
Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility
Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential.
Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.
of Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants reported that communication barriers make it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers
of Deaf participants rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively
"Assistive technology has transformed my career. I can now participate in meetings, make phone calls, and collaborate with colleagues without needing constant assistance. It's given me the confidence to pursue leadership roles I never thought possible."
— Survey Participant
Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact health outcomes.
Barriers often result in missed appointments, miscommunication about medical treatments, and delayed care — issues that can have serious consequences.
of Deaf and Hard of Hearing participants reported facing communication barriers in healthcare settings, impacting their ability to receive proper care
of Deaf participants expressed concerns about their ability to contact healthcare professionals during emergencies, highlighting critical safety gaps
When communication barriers exist in healthcare, the consequences extend beyond inconvenience. Delayed diagnoses, medication errors, and reduced quality of care become real risks. Assistive technology can bridge these gaps, ensuring that healthcare is truly accessible to all.
Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is how significantly assistive technology increases independence.
Before using assistive technology, many users relied heavily on others for daily communication. After adoption, the majority report managing tasks and navigating daily life more autonomously.
Assistive technology nearly doubled the rates of independence among survey respondents
Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
By removing communication barriers, assistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.
of Deaf participants expanded their social networks and professional opportunities
of Hard of Hearing participants saw improved social and career prospects
Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
The emotional and psychological toll of communication barriers can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.
of Deaf participants reported feelings of frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends
of Hard of Hearing participants experienced emotional distress from communication challenges
Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What's also clear to us is that the question isn't whether assistive technology helps—it's how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it's in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives.
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Download the full survey report for detailed insights, methodology, and additional data visualizations. Or explore Nagish's assistive technology solutions to see how we're breaking down barriers.