11 Jobs Working With Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Individuals

People who enjoy helping others often find service-based careers very fulfilling. Many professionals in this industry may end up working with people with disabilities, such as those who are deaf or hard of hearing. If you're interested in working with this demographic, researching potential roles can help you determine the right career choice for you. In this article, we explore 11 jobs that often work with individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing, including average salaries and duties.

What are jobs working with deaf and hard-of-hearing people?

Jobs working with people who are deaf and hard of hearing are positions that involve assisting or providing services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Many of these roles might involve incorporating different methods of communication, such as sign language, into their practices to foster conversation and excel in the role. Professionals in these jobs might also incorporate more written communication methods to ensure they're conveying all information and questions clearly.

There are several job settings and work environments where professionals might work with deaf individuals. Some common workplaces include:

• Mental health clinics

• Schools or universities

• Health care facilities

• Hearing or speech agencies

• Government buildings

Related: 9 Hearing Impaired Jobs To Consider (With Job Details)

11 jobs working with deaf and hard-of-hearing people

There are many careers where professionals often work with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Here's a list of 11 different jobs where you might work with people who are deaf and hard of hearing:

1. Child care provider

National average salary: $29,040 per year

Primary duties: Child care providers oversee the development and care of babies, toddlers and young children. They also teach simple developmental concepts, report on individual development progress and provide nutritious meals and snacks. Child care providers also help and work with children who have developmental problems such as speech, hearing or eyesight concerns and other delays.

Read more: Learn About Being a Child Care Provider

2. Early childhood educator

National average salary: $36,931 per year

Primary duties: These educators provide instruction to children in prekindergarten through third grade. They monitor the learning, development, social and physical progress of their assigned students. Early childhood educators also report on individual progress and discuss any concerns to administrators and parents. In some instances, these educators might work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as children who have visual impairments.

3. Employment counselor

National average salary: $41,487 per year

Primary duties: Employment counselors are professionals who advise individuals pursuing employment opportunities. They administer tests on aptitude, skills and personality and collect surveys to help individuals find positions they might enjoy and excel. These counselors might help individuals with hearing impairments find positions that value their experience and skills.

4. Professor

National average salary: $55,846 per year

Primary duties: These education professionals develop courses and instruct students according to the course goals and outcomes. They administer quizzes and exams, answer student questions and review student essays. Professors might have students who are hard of hearing in their classes, so it's important for them to incorporate additional materials or adjust their teaching style to ensure that all students receive valuable instruction.

Related: Learn About Being an Adjunct Professor

5. Social worker

National average salary: $58,032 per year

Primary duties: Social workers assist individuals and families to overcome various challenges, such as unemployment, illness or changes in their home lives. They also evaluate their clients' needs to help them work toward their mental, physical or emotional goals. Some families or individuals that social workers encounter might be hard of hearing or deaf, which might require these professionals to adjust their methods to ensure that established care plans are effective.

Read more: Learn About Being a Social Worker

6. Sign language interpreter

National average salary: $61,018 per year

Primary duties: Sign language interpreters foster communication between individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing in one-on-one or group settings. They also collaborate with employees, peers and other professionals to optimize their interpretation responsibilities. These interpreters often work in schools, health care facilities, entertainment environments or government settings.

7. Audiologist

National average salary: $74,694 per year

Primary duties: These specialized professionals diagnose and treat an individual's hearing impairments. They also help identify hearing loss and comorbid conditions, such as depression, increased risk of falling or cognitive impairments. Audiologists develop treatment plans that align with specific patient needs, such as hearing aids, medication or exposure treatments.

Read more: Learn About Being an Audiologist

8. Registered nurse

National average salary: $78,785 per year

Primary duties: Registered nurses assist doctors or other medical professionals in diagnosing, assisting and treating patients. They conduct physical examinations and administer medication or treatment according to specified care plans. Registered nurses may help treat individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, which might add specialized processes or practices to ensure each patient receives the appropriate level of care.

Read more: Learn About Being a Registered Nurse (RN)

9. Psychologist

National average salary: $94,947 per year

Primary duties: These mental health professionals help diagnose and treat a variety of mental health illnesses. They also educate patients or other individuals to help prevent them from developing mental health conditions. Psychologists sometimes treat patients who are hard of hearing or deaf who are experiencing mental health symptoms.

Read more: Learn About Being a Psychologist

10. Speech-language pathologist

National average salary: $111,985 per year

Primary duties: Speech-language pathologists work with individuals who have communication disorders. They also diagnose and treat these issues by evaluating a patient's hearing, developmental disorders or other conditions. These professionals create unique care plans to help patients cope or overcome communication disorders, speaking difficulties or swallowing challenges.

Read more: Learn About Being a Speech Pathologist

11. Dentist

National average salary: $236,072 per year

Primary duties: Dentists help maintain a patient's oral health and treat a variety of mouth conditions. These professionals also provide instruction to patients regarding how to improve their oral health and hygiene, which can prevent future mouth conditions. Dentists also treat patients who are deaf or hard of hearing, who may need different methods of instruction or care.

Read more: Learn About Being a Dentist