Burnout in Deaf People: Signs You Might Miss

Burnout is often talked about as being tired from work, but for many deaf people, burnout goes much deeper. It can come from constantly adapting, explaining, and advocating just to access everyday life.

This is sometimes called access fatigue, and it is real.

Signs of burnout that are easy to miss

Burnout does not always look dramatic. It can show up as:

• Not engaging in conversations

• Feeling numb or disconnected

• Avoiding appointments or communication

• Increased anxiety around paperwork or phone calls

• Irritability or exhaustion after everyday interactions

• Losing confidence in situations that used to feel manageable

These signs are often mistaken for laziness or low motivation, when they are actually signs of overload.

Why deaf people are at higher risk

Many deaf people spend a lot of energy:

• Reading lips which requires a lot of concentration

• Focussing on every day tasks

• Managing communication barriers

• Asking for reasonable adjustments

• Correcting misunderstandings

• Explaining access needs repeatedly

Over time, this constant effort can become draining, even when things seem to be going well on the surface.

What helps

Burnout does not mean you have failed. It means something needs to change.

Helpful steps may include:

• Be mindful if you are a hearing-aid user that when aids are removed you cannot hear family/ environment - this can be distressing for others as well as you

• Reducing unnecessary demands where possible

• Asking for support before reaching crisis point

• Planning appointments with access needs clearly stated

• Allowing rest without needing to justify it

You do not have to manage everything alone

Support is not about taking over. It is about reducing pressure so you can focus on living your life.

If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone you support, reaching out early can make a real difference.

Burnout is not weakness. It is a signal that your needs matter.