HOME	DISABILITY AWARENESS	PRINT DISABILITY	PHYSICAL DISABILITY	INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY	PSYCHIATRIC DISABILITY	SITE MAP

  Hearing Impairment

Core information

Physical access and the built environment

It should be noted that design of library buildings or modifications which consider the needs of patrons with a hearing impairment will in no way impede the use of library facilities by other patrons. In most instances all library patrons will benefit from an enhanced service.

Some of the basic issues to be aware of when considering the access needs of hearing impaired library patrons include:

• physical layout (such as shelving and placement of core service areas)
• lighting
• signage
• safety
• building elements (for example, use of sound absorbing material)
• special hearing access equipment

Points covered here are simple guidelines to indicate the range of areas to be aware of. More detailed coverage may be found for a number of these areas in other publications such as relevant Australian Standards.

Physical layout

In general terms, hearing impaired library users benefit from simple, straight forward design and layout. However, large open plan spaces can be difficult to hear in as sound often reverberates. Breaking spaces up into smaller "capsules" by the use of portable screens may prove helpful as this isolates sounds and reduces distracting background noise and interference. Avoid the use of hard surfaces, especially on floors as sound "bounces" off them making it difficult to hear. Other sounds, such as chairs and tables being moved, are amplified. Even the sound of footfalls can seem distractingly loud to a hearing aid wearer. Hearing aids pick up and amplify all sounds that surround the wearer - not just the sounds they wish to hear. Use of carpet in walkways helps to reduce reverberation.

Consider the placement of alternative format collections such as captioned videos which could be placed at a clearly designated and accessible location. Such efforts to make the library resources accessible to patrons with disabilities could also benefit the wider user community such as aged patrons or those with mobility difficulties.

If possible, automatically operated doors could be installed to permit open access to the library building. Use of intercom systems to operate doors should be avoided.

Avoid the use of hard surfaces especially on floors as sound "bounces" off them making it difficult to hear.

Lighting and glare

It is difficult to propose an ideal general lighting formula as people's responses and needs can be highly individual and changeable. For many hearing impaired people, light is essential in providing clues and to aid residual hearing. Good, natural light augmented by strategically placed, fixed electrical lights are an essential element in making libraries environmentally suited to the needs of hearing impaired people. Portable lamps can be used to increase lighting in specific areas. Special care should be taken to ensure that the faces of library staff are well lit and that hearing impaired users have an unobstructed view of speakers' faces at all times. Avoid the use of grilles and glass screens as these block vision and impede the passage of sound.

For any people with a hearing impairment, particularly elderly library users, glare can be a major problem. As a general principle, surfaces which are highly reflected/reflective or can generate a lot of glare are not recommended. These may include highly polished floors or timbers, large expanses of glass and laminated, glossy posters and displays. Sources of natural daylight such as large windows can supply useful levels of illumination but can also radiate high levels of glare. Adjustable blinds or curtains may be helpful in controlling light levels. To minimise glare, overhead lighting should be recessed wherever possible and light sources should be placed so as to not shine directly into the eyes of hearing impaired users.

Overall lighting should avoid "patches" or sudden changes from brightly lit to dark areas. The rapid adjustments necessary to accommodate the changes in light levels can be both difficult and uncomfortable for the patron with a hearing impairment. Entrances and lobby areas may require a slight adjustment in light levels to aid the transition from natural light to an artificially lit environment indoors.

Signage

People with hearing impairments benefit from having information presented as visual displays. The location of signs is as important as the lettering.

For exterior areas, signs need to be:

• located near the entrance between the ground and eye level

• positioned where they will not cause injury and in an accessible place so a hearing impaired person can obtain an unobscured, uncluttered view

For interior areas, the placement of signs is equally important. They should be placed at eye level near doorways or traffic areas, and clearly defined. Use large print signs with good, bold text and clear contrast such as black on white. Signs placed on glass panels or doors can be problematic and should generally be avoided. If it is necessary to do so, for example, to indicate the presence of an audio loop, make sure that it is clearly accessible, well lit and on a static background to minimise confusion and interference.

Be consistent with both style and placement of signage.

Safety

The issue of safety is an important one for people who are deaf or hearing impaired.

People rely on sound to warn them of possible danger - warning bells, alarms sirens, horns, even shouts may be of no benefit to people who do not hear clearly. Depending on the individual's degree of hearing impairment, they may not be heard at all or, if heard, the person may not be able to locate the direction of the sound. Shouted warnings may be muffled and unclear adding to the hearing impaired person's feeling of panic and uncertainty in an emergency. As deaf and hearing impaired people rely on visual clues, an added problem in emergencies is the fact that visibility is often poor - due to electrical failure, smoke or other factors.

Buildings should include flashing light alarms to warn people of fire danger or the possible need to evacuate for other reasons. Exits should be clearly shown using flashing red lights.

Torches or alternative lighting should be readily available. Emergency and evacuation procedures should be clearly displayed on appropriate signage. 

As deaf and hearing impaired people rely on visual clues an added problem in emergencies is the fact that visibility is often poor - due to electrical failure, smoke or other factors.

Building components

Buildings do not usually need to be specially modified to conform with the requirements of people with hearing disabilities. However, as a general rule, the use of sound absorbent materials will create an environment in which there is less reverberation and where it is easier for hearing aid wearers to understand what is being said.

Building design which incorporates safe access for all users will also benefit people with hearing disabilities.

Some general points to consider with regard to the needs of people with hearing disabilities are:

• overall reduction of noise and reverberation with the use of soft floor coverings

• drapes and blinds across windows and large areas of glass

• moveable screens or partitions in sound absorbent materials to deflect noise and divide large areas into smaller less noisy areas

• fit sound absorbent materials to ceilings

• avoid use of moveable items of furniture with metal or chrome legs such as tables, desks and chairs

Overall attention to lighting and reduction of glare:

• careful positioning of artificial lighting, especially in reception areas or at desks where face to face communication may occur

• attention to positioning of reception desks and information counters to ensure that light from windows does not come from behind speakers 

• use of blinds on windows to cut glare at different times of the day Use of alternative means of gaining attention and alerting people with hearing disabilities to possible danger

• use of flashing lights and in some cases vibrating devices such as vibrating pagers 

• door bells and buzzers wired to produce an audible and visual signal simultaneously

• smoke detectors incorporating flashing strobe lights positioned so that they can be seen from all areas of the building - especially in toilets or other secluded areas

• avoid relying on audible clues in areas such as lifts

Information which is relayed by public address systems or speakers placed in lifts is of little benefit to most people with hearing disabilities. Such information should be conveyed visually as well as audibly for the benefit of all users.

In emergencies, telephones placed in lifts may also be of little use. Fitting telephones which are hearing aid- compatible may benefit some users but not all people with hearing disabilities wear hearing aids which incorporate magnetic induction (see audio induction loops handout).

Audio induction loops can be fitted in various areas of the building and connected to public address systems to relay information. However, they must be clearly identified by use of appropriate signage and, if used only intermittently, a visual clue should be used to indicate when information is being relayed via the "loop".

Careful use of colour

Light colours generally reflect light better than dark colours so use of light, bright colours will add to a general feeling of lightness. Care should be taken to avoid colours which are close to skin tone (for example, pale pinks, beiges) especially where library staff are seen against a background of such a colour - this makes it difficult for lipreaders as there is insufficient contrast between the speaker's face and the background. As many older people with impaired hearing may also have difficulty with vision, the question of colour contrast is particularly important.

Checklist of building design considerations for the deaf and hearing impaired

We hope this checklist will help library staff provide accessible library buildings, collections and services. It is not the last word, but rather aims to promote awareness of the range of issues involved and the services which will help facilitate equitable access for all patrons.

Again, it should be emphasised that it is not simply design and structural elements which make the library space and services accessible and friendly for the library patron with a hearing disability. The key factor is the attitude and sensitivity demonstrated by staff.

P U B L I C  A C C E S S  A R E A S

• is there an unobstructed view of speakers' faces in all areas where verbal visual communication may take place?

• is there good general lighting as well as lighting on the faces of speakers?

• are desks and counters placed so that light falls on the faces of speakers and does not come from behind?

• is background noise reduced as far as possible? 

• are alternatives to sound recorded information readily available?

• are there printed information sheets or signs giving information which would otherwise be relayed by voice?

• can deaf and hearing impaired library users find their way around the building and access different areas without having to rely on asking for spoken directions?

F I X T U R E S  A N D  E Q U I P M E N T

• are there systems in place to visually alert people with hearing disabilities to emergency situations?

• can deaf and hearing impaired people get help in emergency situations (such as in lifts, toilets) and will they know that others are aware of their situation?

• are staff aware of the availability of alternative listening devices (such as audio loops, FM and infra red systems) and do they know how to operate them?

• is the library accessible by telephone, fax and TTY?

• where telephones are provided for public use, are there also TTY's available for hearing impaired users who are unable to use telephones?

• are telephones hearing aid-compatible?

• are staff aware of procedures to obtain the services of sign language interpreters when requested?

The installation of special facilities to benefit hearing impaired people should not normally interfere with the needs of people with other types of disabilities. A building which is accessible to people with mobility and sensory disabilities will generally benefit all users.

S I G N A G E

Are all major library areas and services clearly marked in large print lettering:

• auditoriums, meeting rooms
• car park
• emergency exits
• catalogues and information desk
• lifts
• public telephones
• public toilets
• reference desk
• fire extinguishers?
• are signs of a consistent style and placement?

• do they display good background contrast and avoid reflective glossy finishes?

• do they conform to the appropriate Australian Standard?

• if the library produces and distributes information about its services to the public, is the information produced in print in plain English or, if on video, with captions?

• are portable reading lamps available?

• are public areas adequately lit for safety, but free from glare or dazzle which can present difficulties for people with hearing disabilities?

• are curtains and/or blinds available in public areas and can they be adjusted to control levels of glare and illumination?

N OT E  O N  T H E  U S E O F  C E I L I N G  F A N S

B U I L D I N G  A C C E S S

• is there readily accessible public transport within the immediate vicinity of the library? If visitors to the library need to navigate a main road to access the building, is there a pedestrian traffic crossing in close proximity and is it fitted with visual indicators?

•  does the library run an orientation program for patrons with disabilities?

• does the library involve people with hearing disabilities in the planning of library services and facilities for the client group? Does it consult with appropriate specialist agencies and service providers to gather information and assistance as required? 

A building which is accessible to people with mobility and sensory disabilities will generally benefit all users.

S E R V I C E S

• does the library's collection cater for the needs of a representative proportion of its borrowing population? Does it include a suitable selection of materials in alternative formats?

• is the library's collection of material on deafness and hearing impairment clearly designated and accessible?

• are the library's captioned videos on clear display?

• does the library have any of the following equipment available to assist people with disabilities to access the collection and have use of as full a range of library services as possible: