Lesson 25 : Designing Interiors for the Hearing Handicapped
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.
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.
Moving and rotating objects such as ceiling fans can produce feelings of dizziness in people with hearing disabilities
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
Participants