Funding for Hearing Loops: How Access to Work Can Help You Succeed

Access to Work unlocks vital funding for hearing loops and a range of assistive listening devices for those in paid employment affected by hearing loss or disability.

In our experience at Hearing Loop, this work grant has made a tangible difference for employers and employees alike, especially when both parties engage early and choose solutions tailored to their real workplace challenges.

Hearing Loop’s expertise lies in guiding teams from assessment through installation and ongoing support, ensuring each job meets compliance requirements and genuinely improves daily communication at work.

For workplaces looking for step-by-step guidance or further details on the Access to Work process, exploring our dedicated Access to Work page is a helpful next step.

What is a hearing loop, and how do hearing loops work?

A hearing loop is a specialist assistive listening device that transmits sound directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant with a telecoil programme. This means background noise is reduced, speech is clearer, and volume control is easy for the individual.

In practice, hearing loops use radio waves (or, more precisely, audio-frequency induction) to enable direct sound transmission from a microphone, to an amplifier, and a specially placed loop cable and then to the hearing aids. Here’s how they work in different workplaces:

• Reception areas: Enhance clarity for telephone calls and face-to-face meetings.
• Meeting rooms: Help all participants, Participate fully in discussions and decision making.
• Service counters: Enable support people to assist without shouting or repeating.

Hearing loops are covered under British Standard BS 7594, meaning their installation should meet clear UK guidelines for sound quality and reliability, ensuring effective support for anyone who needs the service.​

What are the workplace benefits of hearing loops?

Hearing loops in a workplace provide support for hard of hearing employees, making paid employment or starting work genuinely accessible from day one.

Benefits include:

• Better ability to participate in meetings, training, or client calls, whether in person or via telephone.
• Reduced mental fatigue and stress, especially for those with a mental health condition affected by effortful listening or constant background noise.
• Compliance with reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act, which affects both large organisations and small businesses in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

More than 12 million people in the UK experience hearing loss, with about 50% experiencing it at work at some point. By using hearing loops and assistive devices, workplaces can increase productivity and job satisfaction for these communities.​

What funding options exist for hearing loop installation in the UK?

For those seeking financial support and work grants, Access to Work is the central government scheme that covers hearing loops, assistive listening devices, and other workplace support. It applies to paid employees, civil servants, freelancers, and even apprentices.

Your options for funding include:

• Access to Work grant: Covers the cost of hearing loops, maintenance, work equipment, and reasonable adjustments beyond what the employer is required to fund.
• Other grants include Local authority accessibility grants, specialist workplace schemes (e.g., bus operator information grants), and tax relief on eligible equipment.
• Employer pay: Direct employer contribution for business benefits and major premises adaptations, as determined by annual turnover and job role.

Unlike other benefits, an Access to Work grant is not means-tested and does not affect general NHS information or support.​

Who is eligible for Access to Work hearing loop funding?

Access to Work is designed to provide support to people with a disability or health condition, including hearing loss, so they can do their job or start work.

Eligibility criteria:

• Must be aged 16 or over and live/work in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
• Must be in paid employment, about to start work, or returning following absence due to illness.
• Freelancers, apprentices, and self-employed workers also qualify (voluntary roles are not included).
• Does not require registration as disabled; the decision is based on how hearing loss affects work ability.
• Workplace location must be within Great Britain or Northern Ireland; the Channel Islands do not qualify.

Assessment considers paid employment status, ability, and how a hearing loop or other assistive devices will enable participation and job performance.​

How much does Access to Work pay for hearing loops?

Access to Work grant funding covers up to £57,200 per person annually for workplace adjustments, equipment, and practical support. The average annual element payment for deaf or hard of hearing being £16,900. The amount covered depends on employment status and the employer’s size.

Funding details:

• Full costs paid if the applicant applies within the first 6 weeks of their employment, is self-employed, or uses mental health support services.
• For other cases, employers may need to cost-share. Threshold amounts:
  • 0–49 employees: no threshold; Access to Work pays 100%
  • 50–249 employees: employer covers up to £500
  • Over 250 employees: employer covers up to £1,000
• After thresholds, Access to Work pays 80% of costs up to £10,000, with the employer paying 20%. Costs above £10,000 are covered in full by Access to Work.
• Real examples: hearing loop systems can start from around £500  per system, depending on complexity, with installation maintenance and support often included in the grant.​

How do you apply for Access to Work funding for hearing loops?

To apply for an Access to Work grant, follow these practical steps for financial support:

1. Discuss with your employer about reasonable adjustments that might help.
2. Apply online, by phone, or via the work helpline using the official government form.
3. Arrange for an assessment; an advisor may visit your workplace to review your needs and recommend the right assistive devices.
4. Supply any relevant paperwork, such as quotations for the recommended equipment proof of disability or a job contract.
5. Await the decision, then coordinate with suppliers for installation once the grant is approved.

Tip: The process usually takes a few weeks to months, but you can claim purchases retrospectively if the need is urgent. Self-employed individuals should provide evidence of business activity. Support people, notetakers, and sign language interpreters can be included in the grant for workplace access.​

How can employers justify a hearing loop in their application?

Employers must connect the need for a hearing loop to the person with access needs actual job requirements. The application should answer:

• What essential tasks are affected by hearing loss (e.g. meetings, calls, safety briefings)?
• How will a hearing loop improve ability or performance?
• Is there a legal obligation under the Equality Act for reasonable adjustments?

Reference technical standards such as BS 7594 and IEC 60118-4 to demonstrate compliance with UK regulations. Point out any general business benefits, such as improved communication with clients or inclusive recruitment practices. For organisations across different locations, address each site’s needs individually.​

What are the best practices and standards for workplace hearing loops?

The best results come from purchasing certified equipment in accordance with BS 7594. This ensures:

• High-quality sound coverage and reliability.
• Professional installation where applicable from specialist suppliers who have experience in public sector, civil service, or commercial work schemes.
• Ongoing system maintenance and staff training to maximise benefit.

Choose suppliers who provide support and training for users, especially those new to hearing aids or cochlear implants. Remember, maintenance funding is often covered by work grants, reducing employers’ long-term costs.​

What are some alternatives and complementary technologies?

Beyond hearing loops, other assistive listening devices or support options can help depending on your needs.

Alternatives include:

• Personal FM systems: transmit sound via radio waves, helpful in moving between different locations.
• Phonak Roger personal microphones: connect directly to hearing devices for meetings or phone calls.
• Bluetooth devices: integrate with telephones, computers, and other support equipment.

Access to Work grants frequently cover these alternative assistive devices if justified by your work assessment. Sometimes, combining systems offers the best overall support, particularly for complex hearing or communication needs.​

How has Access to Work helped real professionals?

Access to Work funding for hearing loops and other assistive listening devices has enabled thousands of employees to stay in paid employment or progress their careers.

Typical outcomes:

• Improved job satisfaction and confidence.
• Ability to take part in more meetings and responsibilities.
• Examples include successful career changes, support for civil servants, freelancers, and professionals who might otherwise struggle.

Many report that practical support from Access to Work enables participation that wouldn’t otherwise be possible, and for some, it’s the difference between staying employed and having to leave a job.

FAQ’s

Can the Access to Work fund maintain or repair hearing loops?

Yes, Access to Work can help cover annual maintenance or essential repairs so hearing loops remain reliable for everyday use.​

Is a hearing loop suitable for all workplaces?

Most workplaces can benefit from hearing loops, especially reception areas, meeting rooms, and customer service points, but a site assessment ensures the right solution is chosen for your needs.​

How do I check if my hearing loop is working once installed?

You can test a hearing loop with a loop listener device or by switching your hearing aid to the ‘T’ setting and listening for clear sound when the system is on.

Final thoughts

Hearing loss shouldn’t mean barriers to paid employment or workplace participation. With funding for hearing loops and practical support from the government’s Access to Work grant, disabled people and those with health conditions can claim the benefits and practical assistance they need.

Employers, employees, and the self-employed are encouraged to speak with their local advisor, check eligibility online, and apply so every person can succeed at work.

For expert guidance on hearing loops and funding support, contact Hearing Loop today at 01142 357717. We’re here to help you get through the process and find the right solutions for your workplace needs.