Hearing loss, work and benefits

Is hearing loss a disability?

Hearing loss often counts as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your daily life. When deciding this, the law looks at how you would manage without your hearing aids. (Glasses and contact lenses are the only aids the law does take into account.)

Reasonable adjustments at work

Your employer must consider reasonable adjustments, such as:

• a quieter workspace, away from noise
• captions on video calls, and written notes of meetings
• a hearing loop or a phone that works with hearing aids
• visual alarms, such as a flashing fire alarm
• a BSL interpreter for meetings and training

Access to Work can pay for interpreters, equipment and support workers. It does not have to be paid back.

Benefits

PIP is based on how your condition affects you. Hearing loss can affect activities such as:

• talking, listening and understanding: needing a hearing aid, or support from another person to understand what is said
• mixing with other people: if hearing loss makes social situations very difficult
• planning and following journeys: if you need someone with you to get around safely, for example because you cannot hear traffic

If you are deaf or have severe hearing loss, it is worth checking what you may get.

Other help

• Disabled Persons Railcard: available if you are deaf or use a hearing aid. It gives a third off many rail fares.
• Equipment for your home: your council or local sensory service may provide alarms and other equipment for free.
• Help with phone calls: Relay UK is free to use.