Experiences of People Who are Deaf or Hard‑of‑Hearing During Emergencies in OECD Countries: A Scoping Study

This article reviews research on the experiences of deaf, Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people during emergencies and extreme weather events in OECD countries. It analyses 48 studies published between 2005 and 2024, identifying key factors that influence communication and access to information: emergency warnings, sector responses, and preparedness.

The study highlights both barriers and opportunities to improve accessibility, such as providing alerts in multiple formats, training first responders, and ensuring inclusive emergency planning. It also underscores the important role of DHH community organisations and the hearing care sector in connecting individuals to vital information and preparedness resources.