Survey Of People With Hearing Loss
A recent survey in Japan suggests nearly 70 percent of people with hearing loss have positive opinions about online communications widely introduced during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Dialogue Japan Society conducted the online survey in January. One hundred and eleven people, including students and office workers, responded.
Asked about online conferences and classes, 68 percent reported positive experiences.
They said they like online meetings because they eliminate the big burden of commuting and involve an increase in written communications, including online chats. They also said more people speak clearly when using microphones.
But 72 percent of the respondents cited inconveniences with online communication.
Some said many people speak with their cameras off or wear masks, making it hard to understand them, as their mouths are not visible. Respondents also said they can't tell when to enter conversations.
A senior official of the Dialogue Japan Society, Shimura Shinsuke, said the spread of online communication has made it more convenient for people with hearing loss, but that more improvements are needed.
He stressed the need for companies and schools to consider ways to make it easier for such people to communicate.