If you’ve ever tried to watch a video in a noisy room—or without headphones—you know how frustrating it can be when there are no captions. Now imagine that’s your everyday experience, not just an inconvenience. For people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing, a lot of digital content simply isn’t built with them in mind.
And the thing is, we’re not talking about a small group. According to the CDC, about 15% of American adults have some degree of hearing loss. That’s millions of users who could be missing out on key information, services, or even just the chance to enjoy content the way everyone else does.
Accessibility isn’t just about checking boxes to meet legal standards. It’s about building digital spaces where everyone gets to show up and participate fully. And if you’re on a web team—whether you code, design, or make decisions—that responsibility falls on you.
This guide breaks down what auditory disabilities actually look like, how to meet core WCAG guidelines, and how to avoid common missteps.
Understanding Auditory Disabilities
Hearing loss isn’t one-size-fits-all. The term “auditory disability” covers a wide range of hearing abilities, causes, and communication preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Sensorineural: Caused by damage to the inner ear or nerves. This one’s usually permanent.
- Conductive: Happens when something blocks or damages the outer or middle ear—like fluid, infection, or even too much earwax.
- Mixed: A bit of both sensorineural and conductive.
Each type affects how a person hears sound—and how they interact with audio-based content online.
Levels of Hearing Loss
Some people can still hear certain frequencies. Others may hear almost nothing at all. There’s a whole spectrum:
- Mild: Trouble hearing soft sounds or background noise.
- Moderate: Difficulty following conversations without hearing aids.
- Severe to profound: Very limited hearing—if any.
That spectrum means your content needs to be adaptable. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why flexible design is so important for people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Different People, Different Preferences
Let’s talk about identity and communication:
- Deaf (capital D): Members of the Deaf community, who primarily use American Sign Language (ASL) and often identify culturally as Deaf.
- deaf (lowercase d): People with significant hearing loss who may not use ASL or identify with Deaf culture.
- Hard of Hearing: People with partial hearing loss who often use speech, lip reading, or hearing aids.
Each group may rely on different tools and preferences—captions, transcripts, sign language, or text-based communication. The more options you offer, the better the experience for everyone.
What Inclusive Design Looks Like for Auditory Disabilities
Now that we’ve covered the who, let’s dig into the how. Here are some key ways to improve your digital content for users who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Captions and Transcripts
This one’s non-negotiable. Captions help make videos usable, and transcripts open up audio content like podcasts or interviews.
- Closed captions: Can be turned on/off by the user.
- Open captions: Always visible, baked into the video.
Good captions should be:
- Accurate
- Synchronized
- Easy to read
- Positioned where they won’t block key visuals
WCAG Guidelines
Don’t forget transcripts, especially for audio-only media. They’re great for accessibility and SEO.
Audio Compatibility with Assistive Devices
Many people who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing use Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants. If your audio quality is poor or inconsistent, it can be tough to understand—even with those tools.
Keep in mind:
- Use high-quality, clear audio
- Avoid excessive background music
- Let users control playback and volume
The cleaner the audio, the better it works with assistive tech.
Real-Time Text (RTT) and Chat Options
RTT is a real-time way to type and read messages without delays—no “send” button required. It’s often used during emergencies, but it’s also helpful in customer support or live interactions.
To make your site truly accessible:
- Offer email and contact forms (not just phone numbers)
- Use live chat
- Consider RTT-compatible systems
WCAG Guideline
Sign Language Interpretation
For complex or critical information—like health care, legal rights, or education—consider adding ASL interpretation.
WCAG Guideline
Make sure your interpreter videos are:
- Professionally produced
- Clear and easy to see
- Not blocking other content
Bonus tip: Let users choose if they want to view the interpreter panel.
How WCAG Principles Apply to Auditory Accessibility
WCAG breaks accessibility down into four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Here’s what that means for users who are d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
Perceivable
- Provide captions, transcripts, and visual indicators.
- Use visual or haptic alerts for important notifications.
Operable
- Ensure interactive media players can be used without sound.
- Let users control captions and audio without a mouse (keyboard accessible!).
Understandable
- Keep language clear and straightforward.
- Avoid jargon in captions or transcripts.
- Use images or icons to support written instructions.
Robust
- Test your site across multiple devices and assistive technologies.
- Make sure your content works well with screen readers, hearing aids, and Bluetooth audio systems.
Watch Out for These Common Mistakes
Even well-meaning teams can trip up. Here are a few things to avoid:
Autoplaying Media
Surprise audio can be jarring—especially for someone using hearing aids or other audio devices. It’s also a major usability and privacy issue.
Fix it: Let users press play when they’re ready.
Auto-Generated Captions
Auto-captions can miss context, names, and tone. They’re getting better, but they’re not perfect.
Fix it: Review and edit captions manually. Or better yet, use a professional captioning service.
It’s Not Just About Hearing—It’s About Being Heard
If someone is d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing, they shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to read the captions on a video, follow along with a podcast, or get in touch with support. They shouldn’t be left out of conversations—especially when the fix is often just a few thoughtful decisions during design and development.
So if you’ve been meaning to “get around” to accessibility, consider this your nudge. It doesn’t have to be perfect from day one, but it does have to start. Add captions. Offer transcripts. Give people more than just a phone number to reach you.
These aren’t extras. They’re expectations—and meeting them shows that your organization is paying attention, not just to compliance, but to people.
If you’re not sure where to begin or what your site might be missing, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A quick ADA briefing with 216digital can help you get a clear picture and a practical plan—without the overwhelm.
Because when we design for inclusion, everybody benefits.