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Can I Work in Security with Hearing Loss? A Guide for Prospective Students
Hearing and the Role of a Security Officer
Hearing is an important part of situational awareness and communication – two core responsibilities in the security industry. At Asset College, we often receive enquiries from people with hearing loss, including those who use hearing aids or Auslan, asking whether they can complete a security course or find work in the field.
This article will help you understand how hearing ability may affect your training and future role as a security officer, what considerations may apply, and how to decide whether this pathway is right for you.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be experienced in many ways, including:
- Mild to profound hearing loss in one or both ears
- Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants
- Auditory processing disorder
- Noise sensitivity or difficulty in crowded/noisy environments
- Deafness and use of Auslan as a primary language
Some people experience permanent hearing loss, while others may experience intermittent or fluctuating issues due to injury, illness, or environment.
Why Hearing Matters in Security Work
Security officers must respond quickly and accurately to situations that can be unpredictable and involve public interaction. Hearing is particularly important for:
- Verbal instructions - from supervisors, clients, emergency services, or the public
- Radio and communication systems - including calls for assistance or updates from other guards
- Crowd management - hearing distress, raised voices, or warnings from others
- Environmental awareness - alarms, footsteps, vehicles approaching, or disturbances out of sight
- Incident response - understanding spoken information in noisy or chaotic situations
Poor or delayed auditory awareness can lead to missed information or unsafe decisions in high-risk scenarios.
Training Requirements and Communication Challenges
In our training programs, you’ll be expected to:
- Listen to verbal presentations and instructions
- Respond to scenarios involving spoken directions and crowd interaction
- Use radios, phones, or verbal codes in simulated activities
- Participate in group discussions and assessments
- Accurately report and describe incidents - often based on what was said or heard
If your hearing loss significantly affects your ability to engage in these activities, you may not be able to meet all competency requirements. However, many people with mild or managed hearing loss still succeed – especially if their condition is stable and they use effective strategies or devices.
Adjustments and Our Commitment to Safety
We will consider adjustments where possible, provided they do not compromise:
- The safety of you, others, or staff
- The integrity of the qualification and assessments
- The practical delivery of the course
- The participation of others in the training group
We do not modify or remove core communication or safety-related tasks, as these reflect real-world expectations of the job.
Working Together to Understand Your Needs
Asset College staff and trainers are committed to supporting students with diverse needs. However, we are not audiologists or communication specialists. That’s why, if your hearing loss may impact your ability to participate safely and fully in training, we may ask for a Fitness to Participate form to be completed by your doctor or audiologist.
This helps us understand your situation properly and ensures your training experience is safe and fair.
Decision-Making Checklist: Is This the Right Fit for Me?
Before enrolling, consider the following:
- Can I hear and respond to verbal instructions in a group setting or noisy environment?
- Can I clearly hear and speak into radios, phones or communication systems?
- Can I detect alarms, disturbances or alerts in time to respond safely?
- Do I experience communication challenges in unfamiliar or high-stress settings?
- Have I discussed this career path with my doctor or audiologist?
- Do I use hearing aids or communication tools effectively in busy public environments?
If any of these raise concerns, a confidential conversation with us and your healthcare provider may help you decide your next steps.
Finding the Right Fit for You
Some security roles may be more accessible than others for people with hearing loss – for example, static guarding, access control, or surveillance roles with lower noise or crowd exposure. However, clear and effective communication remains essential across nearly all positions in the security industry.
We will support your interest in training and help you understand whether the course and future work are suited to your abilities and safety. The decision is ultimately yours – and we’re here to help you make it from a place of respect and realism.
We will support your interest in training and help you understand whether the course and future work are suited to your abilities and safety. The decision is ultimately yours – and we’re here to help you make it from a place of respect and realism.
Disclaimer
Please note: Training with Asset College does not guarantee that you will be eligible for a security licence or employment in the industry. Licensing decisions are made by the relevant state or territory regulators. Employers may have their own requirements for fitness for duty, availability, and role suitability. We recommend seeking independent medical and professional advice before making enrolment or career decisions.
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