Podcasts have surged in popularity, offering a rich medium for education, storytelling and connection. So much so, that International Podcast Day is commemorated annually on 30 September. However, while millions tune in weekly, one group has often been left out of this auditory revolution: the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 430 million people worldwide experience disabling hearing loss, a number expected to rise to 700 million by 2050. This substantial population deserves equal access to all forms of media, including podcasts.

The good news? Taking steps toward accessibility not only helps those who struggle to hear – it enhances the experience for all listeners.

The importance of crisp, clear audio

While the charm of podcasting lies in its easy-to-create format, sound clarity is key for accessibility. The quality of audio is essential for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, where the ability to filter out background noise or distinguish overlapping voices is compromised.

Using professional-grade recording equipment and paying close attention to sound design are essential steps for improving accessibility. It’s important to ensure that speakers use high-quality microphones, avoid talking over one another and minimise distracting background noise. Audio should be balanced across left and right channels, with speech levels that maintain clarity without overwhelming quieter moments.

Additionally, working to specific loudness standards (such as LUFS -16 to -18) ensures that content is prepared so that it may be heard consistently across all devices. This standardisation is especially helpful for listeners who use hearing aids or assistive listening devices, as it prevents fluctuations that can make audio difficult to follow.

Sound design: less is more

The complexity of soundscapes can overwhelm listeners with hearing loss. Sound effects, music and ambient noise that may add value for some can make it much harder for others to focus on the actual speech.

Auditory scene analysis, or the ability to pick out one sound amid a noisy environment, is something that becomes increasingly difficult with hearing loss. Podcasters should therefore be cautious about adding too many layers of sound, particularly when background music competes with conversation. In cases where additional sounds are used to set a scene or build atmosphere, these should be employed thoughtfully, ensuring they don’t overpower the main content.

A simpler sound design, especially in the early episodes of a series, allows listeners to familiarise themselves with the host’s voice and production style. As listeners grow accustomed to these elements, producers can gradually introduce more complex soundscapes. In doing so, they create a podcast that becomes more engaging without overwhelming new listeners.

Transcripts: the foundation of accessibility

Providing transcripts is one of the easiest and most effective ways to make podcasts accessible to a broader audience. Transcripts allow deaf or hard-of-hearing listeners to follow the conversation in written form and can serve as an essential tool for those with auditory processing challenges.

But the benefit of transcripts extends beyond accessibility. Many listeners – whether hard of hearing or not – appreciate the ability to skim through episodes, search for key points or revisit sections they found compelling. Transcripts also improve discoverability through search engine optimisation, making it easier for new audiences to find podcast content.

To further enrich the experience, podcasters can encourage listeners to follow along with both the transcript and audio at the same time, allowing them to benefit from the nuances of speech and tone while using the text as a backup for clarity. Several accessible tools are available, from artificial intelligence transcription services like Otter and Happy Scribe to human-generated services like Go Transcript.

Creating an inclusive experience from the start

One of the most important takeaways when considering accessibility is that it should not be an afterthought. Accessibility measures should be integrated into the creative process from the beginning. By doing so, podcasters can avoid the pitfalls of having to retroactively add these features, which is often more difficult and costly. When accessibility is built into the content from the outset, the end result is a more seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone, not just those with hearing difficulties. This includes taking the time to test content with listeners who may not be familiar with the material or who have different hearing abilities.

A call to accessible podcasting

Making podcasts accessible is not just a technical consideration – it’s an opportunity to engage with a wider audience. With over 1.5 billion people worldwide affected by some form of hearing loss or auditory processing difficulty, podcasters have a responsibility to ensure that their content is inclusive. Simple steps, such as providing transcripts, ensuring sound clarity and minimising distracting background noise, can make a profound difference.

As we celebrate International Podcast Day, let’s reflect on how to make podcasts more accessible for everyone. By embracing accessibility, podcasters ensure that their content reaches and resonates with a truly diverse audience, creating a richer and more inclusive digital world for all.

By Professor De Wet Swanepoel, a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Pretoria.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Pretoria.