Audio Engineering for Podcasts by deaf and Hard of Hearing Creators

Ohshiro, K., Cartwright, M. Audio Engineering for Podcasts by deaf and Hard of Hearing Creators. In Proceedings of the ACM Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA), 2025.

Abstract

Podcasting has evolved as a significant medium where independent creators engage in various production stages, including audio engineering. However, research is limited on how deaf and hard of hearing (dHH) people create podcasts. To address this gap, we conducted interviews with four self-taught dHH podcasters engaged in audio engineering. Our findings reveal how they navigate hearing-related challenges through visual editing techniques, self-taught skill development, and reliance on peer support, while advocating for accessibility. For future directions, we discuss differences between podcast and music audio engineering and recommend integrating AI-powered tools and developing accessible learning resources and environments to support dHH creators.