Developed last year at the direct request of people with hearing loss, our high-visibility vests address a dual challenge: greater safety and better harmony in public spaces.
Being startled when an e-scooter suddenly passes you, or dealing with the frustration of cyclists who don't understand why you aren't reacting to their persistent bell-ringing: these scenarios are familiar to many people with hearing loss. The rise in e-scooters and bicycles has increased these issues when traffic lanes are shared with pedestrians. To address these difficulties, FoRom écoute provides free high-visibility vests designed for the hearing-impaired community.
A simple and effective concept
Our neon yellow vest features a pictogram indicating hearing loss. It ensures you are seen from a distance, compensating for the inability to hear a vehicle approaching from behind. Feedback from users is clear: the accessory provides peace of mind, enhances safety, and prevents misunderstandings and potential conflicts. These vests are available free of charge to any interested person with hearing loss by writing to us at info@ecoute.ch.
From safety to inclusion
The issue of visibility goes beyond just safety on sidewalks, roads, and paths. It touches on social inclusion and quality of life more broadly. As discussed during the FoRom écoute annual congress on May 30th, making oneself visible greatly facilitates daily interactions.
Wearing a distinctive sign—whether it’s a vest, a badge, a visible hearing aid, or even a sunflower lanyard —avoids having to "explain your life in every new interaction," as one of the speakers testified. Other participants noted that the attitude of those they interact with changes immediately, sometimes shifting from misunderstanding, or even judgment and annoyance, to greater kindness and patience.
Visibility and caution: finding the right balance
While there is a consensus within the community that visibility is essential, an important nuance was raised during the congress debates. One participant recounted having items stolen from her bag on public transport, suspecting that the "hearing impaired" badge on it may have reassured the thieves that she would not notice their actions.
This testimony calls for basic caution, which is relevant for everyone in crowded places: making yourself visible should not mean making yourself vulnerable. It is a matter of keeping a watchful eye on your valuables while enjoying the social and safety benefits that come with being identified.
➡️ To learn more about the visibility of hearing loss, we invite you to read other articles recently published in our online magazine:
- Sunflower lanyard: now available at all SBB ticket counters (published on 09.04.2026)
- Hearing loss: what if stopping the concealment was the first step toward inclusion? (published on 12.05.2026)
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