UBER Hiring Hearing Impaired Drivers in Singapore

At this point, most of us have heard of Uber, even if we may not have all used it. Uber is an incredibly popular app, first founded in Chicago and now is used world-wide to secure a ride. Uber is now available in 400 cities in 65 countries, and it is one of the most successful tech startups in the last decade. According to the tech magazine Wired, Uber’s success lies in the fact that it is simultaneously “a global and a local brand – the Mumbai market is very different, than say, the market in Lagos.”

Recently, Uber underwent a rebranding process, which was meant to help “every person in its ecosystem – riders, partners, employees.” Not only has Uber created a new economy for people worldwide as drivers, it has extended into new territory in Singapore with Project Beethoven, which is designed to employ hearing-impaired drivers, giving them a much needed economic opportunity.

How does Project Beethoven Work?

Project Beethoven was introduced as a new feature for Uber in Singapore on September 26, 2016. These new features are designed to accommodate hearing-impaired people to find work as drivers. Named for the famous, hearing-impaired musician, Project Beethoven is equipped with features that alert hearing-impaired drivers of a new fare.

Using flashing lights on their phones, drivers receive notification of a new fare. Because Uber requires passengers to enter their pick-up and destination on the app, there is little room for miscommunication. At the same time, drivers are guided by GPS to the desired destination ensuring that passengers arrive at the proper place.

According to Mr. Warren Tseng, the general manager of Uber Singapore, “We ensure a safe experience by forcing the drivers to enter the destination before every drip. This way, the driver knows exactly where to go, because the GPS through the phone directs the driver to the destination.”

Uber Requirements for Hearing Impaired Drivers

In Singapore, hearing-impaired Uber drivers must fulfill the basic standards required for a driver’s license. They must be able to hear 50 decibels, which is the volume level of a normal conversation. Uber does not employ drivers who are completely deaf, as this would make it difficult for passengers and drivers to communicate.

Additionally, when passengers are communicating with their hearing-impaired drivers, everything takes place over text, which eliminates the difficulties of phone conversations. On Uber’s new features, Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, Mr. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, says, “These accommodations will greatly help drivers who are hearing-impaired to serve their customers. A simple prompt to inform the passenger about the driver will improve comfort levels and avoid misunderstandings.”

Why This Technology is Ground-Breaking for People with Hearing Loss

Worldwide, there has been stigma around hearing loss. Uber’s Project Beethoven breaks down these barriers by providing employment opportunities for people with experience hearing loss. Statistics have shown that people with untreated hearing loss have lower earning power than colleagues with normal hearing or those who treat hearing loss with hearing aids.

Uber’s Project Beethoven is an initiative that could extend to other parts of the world, using technology to provide opportunities for those with hearing loss and also to make communication easier between passenger and driver.

Over the past decade, hearing technology has evolved in extraordinary ways to accommodate those who experience hearing loss. There are now wireless connectivity options that allow people to connect and stream sound directly from their smartphones to their hearing aids.

According to Channel News Asia, “Uber says it is planning to recruit more hearing-impaired drivers, and will work with organizations like Singapore Association for the Deaf and SG Enable to do so.”

If you experience hearing loss, contact us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services. We will work with you to find the best solution for your hearing needs. 

Locations in Mission Viejo, Irvine, San Clemente, Laguna Beach and Laguna Hills

Call us to schedule: 949- 364-4361