The number of Americans who are deaf has increased over the years. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 11.5 million Americans have some hearing impairment, ranging from difficulty in hearing conversation to total hearing loss. This means they cannot hear well enough to participate in everyday discussions.

There is a wide variety of jobs available for people with hearing impairments. Some jobs require you to communicate effectively using sign language, while others do not. We have compiled some of the best jobs for professionals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These include jobs that can help them earn an income while providing opportunities to learn new skills and make valuable connections.

Here are 11 jobs for professionals who are Deaf or Hard of hearing:

1. Social worker

A social worker helps individuals and families cope with life’s challenges. They work closely with clients to develop strategies for dealing with problems such as poverty, unemployment, abuse, divorce, illness, disability, mental health issues, substance abuse, homelessness, and other issues. Social workers may specialize in helping children, adolescents, adults, older adults, or any group of people.

2. Speech-language pathologist

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works with patients who have communication disorders. SLPs evaluate how people speak and understand words and sentences. They then provide treatment plans that address each patient’s specific needs.

An SLP may use one or more methods to treat their patients, including therapy, counseling, and medication. Patients usually see an SLP once every three months for therapy sessions.

3. Occupational therapist

An occupational therapist (OT) services people with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or injuries. OTs assess the abilities of patients and design programs that help them perform daily tasks.

For example, an OT might teach someone who uses a wheelchair how to dress. The OT also teaches the patient how to safely transfer into and out of bed, bathtub, shower, and toilet.

4. Physical therapist

A physical therapist (PT) evaluates and treats patients who have musculoskeletal diseases, such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sports injuries.

A PT will examine the patient and determine if anything is wrong with their body. Then they will recommend exercises that will strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. If necessary, the PT will prescribe medications to relieve pain and inflammation.

5. Audiologist

An audiologist diagnoses hearing problems and prescribes devices to correct them. An audiologist must be licensed by the state where they practices.

Common hearing aids include ear plugs, bone conduction devices, and cochlear implants. Audiology technicians install and adjust these devices.

6. Medical transcriptionist

A medical transcriptionist transcribes doctors’ notes from dictation into written reports. Medical transcriptionists often work in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and laboratories.

They type up doctors’ orders, progress notes, test results, and other important patient information. They may also record audio files of doctors speaking with patients.

7. School psychologist

A school psychologist helps students learn new skills and overcome emotional problems. They can also diagnose learning disabilities and ADHD.

School psychologists typically work at schools but sometimes travel to homes and businesses to meet with parents and teachers. School psychologists may conduct psychological tests on students to determine what makes them tick.

8. Dietitian

A dietitian prepares meals for recovering from surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments. A dietitian also counsels patients about healthy eating habits.

A dietitian may prepare special diets for patients with diabetes, heart disease, cancer, kidney failure, or other conditions. Dietitians may also advise patients about nutrition supplements and weight loss programs.

9. Professor

A professor teaches courses at colleges, universities, and vocational schools. Professors generally supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

Professors may teach undergraduate classes, graduate-level courses, or both. Some professors specialize in certain areas of study, such as chemistry, biology, computer science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, nursing, physics, psychology, sociology, or zoology.

10. Registered Nurse

A registered nurse (RN) cares for people who are sick or injured. RNs help patients recover after surgeries, treat illnesses, administer medicines, and provide comfort care.

RNs usually work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies. They may also work in outpatient settings, such as urgent care centers, physician’s offices, or pharmacies.

RNs earn a bachelor’s degree and then complete an accredited program to become certified nurse practitioners (CNP). They may also have a master’s degree in nursing.

11. Employment counselor

An employment counselor helps job seekers find jobs. Employment counselors may work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private firms.

Counselors may interview candidates, screen resumes, offer advice on resume writing, and give career counseling tips. Counselors may also help clients write cover letters, network, and apply for jobs online.

12. Sign language interpreter

A sign language interpreter translates signs into spoken words. Sign language interpreters may interpret between deaf individuals and hearing individuals.

Interpreters may work in courtrooms, hospitals, doctor’s offices, banks, restaurants, stores, factories, and other places where communication is needed. Interpreters may also translate documents, legal briefs, and scientific research papers.

Interpreters must be trained and licensed by the state in which they practice. Most states require that interpreters have a high school diploma or equivalent education. Many states also require interpreters to pass a test demonstrating their communication ability.

Conclusion

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can make a difference in the lives of others by pursuing any of the careers listed above. You should take some college classes or get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree if you wish to work in one of these fields. Even if you already have a bachelor’s degree or higher, consider pursuing a certificate.

If you’re serious about making a career out of your education, use every tool. For instance, community colleges and technical schools frequently provide low- or no-cost training opportunities for working adults. To further emphasize the need to keep up with the latest developments in your field, several companies offer financial support for furthering your education.

Your resume should accurately represent your skills and academic achievements. Your resume ought to showcase your strongest suit(s). Include details about your interests, hobbies, and volunteer experience on your resume. Ultimately, it should demonstrate your interest in this particular line of work.

At Lancerbee, professional resume writers can help you if you need a hand. Do not hesitate to contact us for any help you may need!