(authored by Nicole Windmann, VP, Head of Accessible Software Development)
Disabling hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. To be considered disabled, the person must have a permanent condition like profound hearing loss or deafness. Deaf individuals have little to no auditory perception, while those who are hard of hearing may have varying levels of hearing.
A man smiles while communicating in sign language. Text reads “430 Million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss (WHO). 1 in 3 people over 65 are affected by hearing loss. SAP designs for those with hearing loss. Check out our tips for captions, visible notifications and more!”
The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Among those older than 60, over 25% are affected by disabling hearing loss. Other common causes of hearing loss are infections, medication, a perforated tympanic membrane, otosclerosis, and neurologic conditions. These individuals may encounter various challenges when using digital products attributed to communication needs and preferences.
Over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. In the US, about 15 percent of all adults report some hearing difficulty. While hearing loss affects 1 in 3 people over 65, nearly 1 in 2 people over 75 are affected.
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 disabilities also easily use 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.
1. Captions, Subtitles, and Transcripts
Provide closed captions, subtitles, and transcripts for all audio and video content.
Use clear visual alerts and error indicators.
Ensure video platforms support live transcription and interpretation. Promote accessible social media and community features.
Why? Audio cues like videos, podcasts, or voice instructions are often inaccessible, causing missed information. Video conferencing tools may lack real-time captions or transcription, and inaccessible social media limits participation.
2. Chat and Messaging
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.
3. Alerts and Notifications
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 impairments.
4. Visual Signifiers
Use visual signifiers like 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.
5. Inclusive Meetings
Support live transcription and captioning features during meetings to ensure inclusive communication.
Why? Users with hearing loss will be 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!
(authored by Nicole Windmann, VP, Head of Accessible Software Development)Disabling hearing loss refers to hearing loss greater than 35 decibels (dB) in the better hearing ear. To be considered disabled, the person must have a permanent condition like profound hearing loss or deafness. Deaf individuals have little to no auditory perception, while those who are hard of hearing may have varying levels of hearing.A man smiles while communicating in sign language. Text reads “430 Million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss (WHO). 1 in 3 people over 65 are affected by hearing loss. SAP designs for those with hearing loss. Check out our tips for captions, visible notifications and more!”The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Among those older than 60, over 25% are affected by disabling hearing loss. Other common causes of hearing loss are infections, medication, a perforated tympanic membrane, otosclerosis, and neurologic conditions. These individuals may encounter various challenges when using digital products attributed to communication needs and preferences.Over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss. In the US, about 15 percent of all adults report some hearing difficulty. While hearing loss affects 1 in 3 people over 65, nearly 1 in 2 people over 75 are affected.Design for Accessibility is Design for EveryoneNot only people with permanent hearing loss benefit from the inclusion of their needs when designing software. People with temporary or situational hearing disabilities also easily use 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 LossSAP’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.1. Captions, Subtitles, and TranscriptsProvide closed captions, subtitles, and transcripts for all audio and video content.Use clear visual alerts and error indicators.Ensure video platforms support live transcription and interpretation. Promote accessible social media and community features.Why? Audio cues like videos, podcasts, or voice instructions are often inaccessible, causing missed information. Video conferencing tools may lack real-time captions or transcription, and inaccessible social media limits participation.2. Chat and MessagingIntegrate 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.3. Alerts and NotificationsIncorporate 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 impairments.4. Visual SignifiersUse visual signifiers like 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.5. Inclusive MeetingsSupport live transcription and captioning features during meetings to ensure inclusive communication.Why? Users with hearing loss will be excluded without live transcription during one-on-one or small group conversations.How SAP Designs with Accessibility in MindTechnology 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! Read More Technology Blog Posts by SAP articles
