About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID's employment range. You will find it useful if you want to work with deaf people. We use the term 'deaf' to refer to all types of hearing loss.

We cover the following careers in this factsheet:

If you are interested in a particular career, you should contact the organisation listed under the relevant 'further information' section for detailed advice and check the latest entry and training requirements. Alternatively, get in touch with a careers or personal adviser at your school, college or university, or your local careers or connexions service. Go to www.connexions.gov.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window) for more information.

Remember that for each career, as well as the necessary training and qualifications, you may need BSL and deaf awareness experience. The RNID Information Line can tell you about courses in deaf awareness and sign language in your area.

For job vacancies, see national newspapers, websites of deaf organisations or sign up to deaf-uk-jobs at www.deaf-uk.org.uk (external link, opens new browser window)

Audiology careers

Audiology is the study and treatment of hearing and balance disorders in children and adults. You can do a range of jobs and work in the National Health Service (NHS), in education or in the private sector.

Working in the NHS

Audiologists

Audiologists identify and measure hearing loss, detect balance and other problems. They work with patients to aid rehabilitation and fit and advise people about their hearing aids.

To become an audiologist you need either a BSc or an MSc in audiology (which includes clinical training), leading to the British Academy of Audiology (BAA) Certificate of Audiological Competency.

Audiological scientists

Audiological scientists have a similar job to audiologists. They also undertake research and development projects and have managerial responsibilities.

To become an audiological scientist, you need a relevant honours degree, an MSc in Audiology and 18 to 24 months in-service training, leading to the British Academy of Audiology Certificate of Audiological Competence.

Hearing therapists

Hearing therapists help patients aged over 16 who have become deaf to adapt to their hearing loss and related problems. They provide support, communication training and counselling for individuals and the people they live with. They also give advice about equipment and services for deaf people.

To become a hearing therapist, you need a BSc in audiology (which includes clinical training) and you need to be a good communicator.

Assistant technical officers

Assistant technical officers help audiology staff. They advise people who wear hearing aids how to use them and care for them. They also carry out routine maintenance and minor repairs. Assistant technical officers train on the job.

Currently, doctors also have opportunities to undertake specialist training in audiological medicine.

Further information

British Academy of Audiology (BAA)
Email: admin@baaudiology.org
Website: www.baaudiology.org/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Working in education

Educational audiologists

Educational audiologists work closely with families, teachers and deaf children and give advice about using hearing aids, and about equipment and services for deaf people. They may assess children's hearing and communication needs and fit hearing aids.

To become an educational audiologist, you need to be a qualified teacher of the deaf and have an MSc in Educational Audiology.

Further information

British Association of Educational Audiologists (BAEA)
Email: jellwood@educational-audiologists.co.uk
Website: www.educational-audiologists.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Working in the private sector

Hearing aid audiologists or dispensers

Hearing aid audiologists or dispensers test people's hearing, fit hearing aids and give advice about them. They charge for hearing aids and their services. To become registered, you will need either to take a relevant exam and complete a period of supervised training, or have a BSc in audiology.

Further information

British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists (BSHAA)
Email: secretary@bshaa.com
Website: www.bshaa.com/ (external link, opens new browser window)

British Sign Language tutor

A British Sign Language (BSL) tutor teaches level 1 to NVQ level 4 BSL. BSL tutors work mainly in colleges and businesses.

To qualify as a BSL tutor you must show evidence of fluency and clear presentation in BSL, and have detailed knowledge of BSL and the Deaf Community. You must also have a teaching qualification for teaching adults.

Further information

Association of British Sign Language Tutors
Email: enquiry@abslt.org.uk
Website: www.abslt.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

In-vision BSL interpreter

An in-vision BSL interpreter translates television programme information into BSL. They usually appear on the television screen and deaf viewers can watch them and the television programme at the same time. In-vision interpreters work for television channels or on a freelance basis.

An in-vision interpreter needs to be fluent in BSL, at least to NVQ level 4, have good English skills, a degree or relevant professional experience and appropriate training. You will also need experience of translating between BSL and English. City University runs a course to train deaf people, in particular, as in-vision interpreters.

Further information

City University
Telephone: 020 7040 8541
Textphone: 020 7040 8314
Fax: 020 7040 8577
Email: j.hankin@city.ac.uk
Website: www.city.ac.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Language service professionals (LSPs)

For more information about the LSPs in this section, see our leaflet Communication services for deaf and hard of hearing people.

BSL/English interpreter

Deaf people who use BSL as their preferred language and hearing people who speak English use BSL/English interpreters to communicate with each other.

To qualify as a BSL/English interpreter, you must have a good level of English, BSL at NVQ level 4 or equivalent and have completed an approved programme of interpreter training and assessment.

Further information

Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP)
Telephone: 0191 383 1155
Textphone: 0191 383 7915
Fax: 0191 383 7914
Email: durham@cacdp.org.uk
Website: www.cacdp.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Also, take a look at our factsheet, "Training as a BSL/English interpreter".

Lipspeaker

A lipspeaker repeats clearly and accurately what a hearing person or speaker says, without using their voice. This makes it easier for deaf people who communicate by lipreading to follow what other people are saying.

To become a lipspeaker you need a clear speaking voice and excellent hearing. You must also qualify as a lipspeaker at one of two different levels.

Further information

Association of Lipspeakers
Telephone: 01538 722482
Textphone: 01538 722442
Fax: 01538 722442
Email: information@lipspeaking.co.uk
Website: www.lipspeaking.co.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Electronic notetaker

An electronic notetaker types a summary of what has been said at a gathering, such as a meeting, on a computer. A deaf person can then view the information on a screen.

Electronic notetakers do on-the-job training and work towards a CACDP level 2 qualification in electronic notetaking for deaf people. You don't need any particular qualifications to gain entry to the course, but you do need to show that you have a minimum typing speed of 60 wpm (words per minute) and good English.

Manual notetaker

Manual notetakers take accurate and clear notes for deaf people in handwritten English. Notetakers are either freelance or provide their services via an agency.

To become a notetaker, you need a CACDP level 2 qualification in notetaking for deaf people. Entry requirements for the course are a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent, including English.

Speech-to-text reporter

A speech-to-text reporter (also known as a palantypist or stenographer) uses a special keyboard to type every word that is spoken by a speaker, in, for example, a meeting. These are then converted by special software into English for viewing on screen. Most speech-to-text reporters work for an agency.

To become a speech-to-text reporter you must first train and qualify as a court reporter. Most court reporters are not trained to work with deaf people, so additional CACDP approved training is necessary.

Further information

For information on electronic and manual notetakers, and speech-to-text reporters, contact CACDP.

Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP)
Telephone: 0191 383 1155
Textphone: 0191 383 7915
Fax: 0191 383 7914
Email: durham@cacdp.org.uk
Website: www.cacdp.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Communication support worker

Communication support workers (CSWs) are often part of a team supporting deaf students in a variety of ways to enable them to access learning in schools, colleges and universities. For more information, see our factsheet "Working with a communication support worker in education".

CSWs also support deaf people in the workplace. They do this by notetaking, lipspeaking, rewriting information in a more accessible form, signing or using another way to communicate, depending on what the deaf person asks for.

Please note: the CSW course is currently unavailable and the qualification is in the process of being redeveloped. This will be launched in the near future.

Mental health roles

There is a range of opportunities in mental health services for deaf people. You can train as a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist or as an occupational therapist. There are also opportunities in psychiatry and mental health nursing.

The entry qualifications and training vary for each job, although sign language and knowledge of deaf issues are important. You can work in a range of settings such as hospitals, hostels, registered care homes, community and day centres.

Further information

British Society for Mental Health and Deafness
Telephone: 01206 274075
Textphone: 01206 274076
Fax: 020 8682 6461
Email: info@bsmhd.org.uk
Website: www.bsmhd.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

MIND
Telephone: 08457 660 163
Fax:: 020 8522 1725
Email: info@mind.org.uk
Website: www.mind.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Nursery nurse

Nursery nurses provide care and education for young children. They may work with a small group of children or provide one-to-one support. They may work alone or as part of a team of professionals. Nursery nurses work in different places, or as a private nanny.

There are no specialist courses in working with deaf children. You have to qualify first as a nursery nurse and then get on-the-job work experience. You may need sign language, though not all deaf children use sign language to communicate.

Further information

Professional Association of Nursery Nurses
Telephone: 01332 372 337
Fax: 01332 290310
Email: pann@pat.org.uk
Website: www.pat.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Social worker with deaf people

A social worker with deaf people works mainly with deaf adults and sometimes with deaf children and their parents. In partnership with other professionals, they assess needs, and offer support and various services to enable deaf people to lead independent lives. They are employed by social services or by voluntary and private social care organisations.

To work as a qualified social worker with deaf people you need to enrol on a three-year degree course in social work. This course was introduced in 2003, but the 'old' qualification (Diploma in Social Work) is still recognised. To work with deaf people you will also need training in deaf issues and communication skills including BSL.

Further information

Telephone: 0845 604 6404
Website: www.socialworkcareers.co.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Speech and language therapist

A speech and language therapist assesses and treats people with communication difficulties. A therapist who has specialised in deafness works with babies, children and adults who were born deaf or who became deaf in later life. Most therapists work in NHS hospitals, community settings or schools, but some work in private practice or in research and education.

To become a speech and language therapist, you need a degree in speech and language therapy. Minimum entry requirements are five GCSEs, including English and Maths, and three A level passes, or equivalent, in relevant subjects.

Further information

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Telephone: 020 7378 3012
Email: info@rcslt.org
Website: www.rcslt.org/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Subtitler

A subtitler accurately presents the whole soundtrack of a pre-recorded or live television programme, or film, in words. These then appear as subtitles on programmes or films. Subtitlers work for television channels or for companies that specialise in subtitling for the cinema, videotapes and DVDs.

At present, there are no formally recognised qualifications for subtitlers and training is generally on the job. This includes training in specialist software so you must be confident using new technology. You must also have strong language skills and be able to work to tight deadlines. Importantly, you must be familiar with the difficulties that deaf people have in watching programmes or films.

Stenographers may be employed to subtitle live programmes (see Speech-to-text reporter).

Further information

See www.bbc.co.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window) and the websites of other national television companies, or national newspapers for vacancies and opportunities to train as a subtitler.

Teacher of the deaf

A teacher of the deaf specialises in teaching deaf children and young people. Most deaf children go to mainstream schools but some go to special schools.

Teachers of the deaf may work with a deaf pupil on an individual basis or in a small group, collaborate with mainstream and special school teachers or manage teaching assistants and communication support workers who work with deaf pupils.

To become a teacher of the deaf you must have qualified teacher status (QTS) and at least one to three years' experience of teaching in a mainstream school before undertaking a teacher of the deaf training course. Entry requirements vary depending on the institution.

Further information

British Association of Teachers of the Deaf (BATOD)
Email: secretary@batod.org.uk
Website: www.batod.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Teacher of lipreading to adults

A teacher of lipreading to adults teaches people who have become deaf or hard of hearing to develop lipreading and other communication skills. They work mainly in educational institutions.

To qualify as a teacher of lipreading to adults you need to do a training course for teachers of lipreading. Basic entry requirements vary, but you need to have a clear speaking voice, be able to express yourself clearly in written and spoken English, and be easy to lipread.

Further information

Association of Teachers of Lipreading to Adults (ATLA)
Email: atla@lipreading.org.uk
Website: www.lipreading.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Technical officer

A technical officer (also known as a 'equipment' or 'rehabilitation' officer) assesses, provides and installs suitable equipment that deaf and deafblind people need to help them live independently in their own home. They can give advice about deafness and hearing loss. Technical officers work mainly for social services departments but they sometimes work in the voluntary sector.

To become a technical officer, you need to be technically minded and know about the equipment that deaf and deafblind people may need. You also need to be able to communicate well with deaf people and know about deaf issues. Many technical officers train on the job.

The City Lit in London runs an advanced diploma for technical officers.

Further information

Technical Officers Association
Email: info@toa.org.uk  
Website: www.toa.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

The City Lit
Email: cfdp@citylit.ac.uk 
Website: www.citylit.ac.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Working with deafblind people

This involves offering communication support to deafblind people to enable them to lead fulfilling lives. Deafblind people use a variety of communication methods, depending on their needs, for example the Block Alphabet or the Deafblind Manual Alphabet. Deaf people who also lose their sight may prefer to communicate using hands-on signing.

To work with deafblind people, you need to be confident using a variety of communication methods. There are a range of courses that aim to teach you the different communication methods used by deafblind people and how to work with deafblind people.

See our factsheet "Deafblind people".

Further information

Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People (CACDP)
Telephone: 0191 383 1155
Textphone: 0191 383 7915
Fax: 0191 383 7914
Email: durham@cacdp.org.uk
Website: www.cacdp.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Deafblind UK
Telephone or textphone: 01733 358 100
Website: www.deafblind.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Sense
Telephone: 020 7272 7774
Textphone: 020 7272 9648
Fax: 020 7272 6012
Email: info@sense.org.uk
Website: www.sense.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Working in deaf organisations

You can work in charities, voluntary and community organisations for deaf people. Jobs at national charities such as RNID, the British Deaf Association (BDA) and the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) may be office-based or involve outreach work. You will need specific skills, experience and qualifications, depending on the job.

One way to find out what would suit you best is to work first as a volunteer or get work experience. Search RNID's website and the websites below for opportunities, or try deaf-uk-jobs (external link, opens new browser window).

For opportunities in voluntary and community organisations, go to www.do-it.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window) or contact your local volunteer bureau. To contact local organisations directly, see your local telephone directory.

Further information

British Deaf Association (BDA)
www.britishdeafassociation.org.uk (external link, opens new browser window)

The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS)
www.ndcs.org.uk/ (external link, opens new browser window)

Further information from RNID

RNID Information Line

The RNID Information Line offers a wide range of information on many aspects of deafness and hearing loss. You can contact us for printed copies of this factsheet and the full range of our information factsheets and leaflets.

RNID Information Line, 19-23 Featherstone Street,
London EC1Y 8SL.
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk