Waymo Robotaxis and Hearing Loss: Safety, Accessibility, and Tips for Riders

Waymo robotaxis are expanding to more cities, and that’s great news for people with hearing loss. A self-driving ride can be calmer than a typical rideshare—no small talk required, fewer communication hurdles, and a predictable app-based experience.

But if you wear hearing aids (or rely on lipreading or captions), there are a few details that can make a Waymo trip smoother—especially around alerts, pickup confirmation, and what to do if something unexpected happens.

This guide is designed to help you ride confidently.


What’s different about Waymo if you have hearing loss?

With a traditional rideshare, a lot of the trip depends on hearing:

  • the driver calling your name
  • verbal pickup instructions
  • asking to confirm the destination
  • in-car conversation when plans change

With Waymo, most of that is replaced by visual instructions in the app and in-car screens. That can be a big accessibility win—if you know where to look and how to set things up.


Before you ride: set yourself up for success

1) Use “visual-first” settings on your phone

  • Turn on vibration for notifications.
  • Increase text size and enable high contrast if you prefer it.
  • If you use iPhone, consider LED flash for alerts (Accessibility settings).
  • On Android, enable visual notifications and stronger vibration patterns.

The goal: you don’t want to miss pickup or safety prompts because you didn’t hear a chime.

2) Make sure your hearing aids are in a stable mode

If you use Bluetooth streaming or have multiple programs:

  • Use your most “everyday” program for the ride.
  • If road noise bothers you, switch to your noise management program (if you have one).
  • If streaming phone audio sometimes “steals” sound from the environment, test it once before you rely on it.

3) Plan pickup like you would at the airport

Pickup is the #1 moment that can feel stressful.

  • Choose a well-lit spot.
  • Avoid standing in a crowd of similar-looking vehicles.
  • Watch the app closely and be ready to move a few steps if it suggests a better pickup point.

At pickup: how to confirm it’s your car without relying on hearing

1) Rely on the app + visual cues

Use the app as your primary source of truth:

  • It should show you the vehicle arriving, plus guidance on where it’s stopping.
  • Wait for the app prompt that indicates you can approach and unlock.

2) Don’t be shy about taking your time

If you’re unsure:

  • Step back and double-check the license plate/car details in the app.
  • Look for any on-screen confirmation in the vehicle once you’re close.

A confident start reduces stress for the whole ride.


During the ride: accessibility tips that actually matter

1) Look for on-screen messages first

In robotaxis, the most important prompts are usually visual (in the app or on an interior display). Train yourself to glance at the screen if anything changes.

2) Protect listening comfort

Many hearing aid users get listening fatigue faster in cars due to:

  • low-frequency road noise
  • wind noise
  • sudden high-pitched alerts

Try:

  • lowering overall volume 1–2 steps
  • switching into a “comfort in noise” program
  • using a closed dome or better fit if road noise is consistently overwhelming (an audiologist can help)

3) Streaming audio? Keep it simple

If you stream music/podcasts:

  • keep volume low enough that you can still notice what’s happening visually
  • consider one ear streaming and one ear “open,” if that’s comfortable and safe for you

Safety and “what if something happens” planning

Even with a great system, it helps to have a simple plan.

If you can’t hear an alert

Use a visual habit:

  • check the app when you feel the ride pause, reroute, or behave unexpectedly
  • watch the interior display for instructions

If you need support

Many people with hearing loss prefer text-based help. If the app offers in-app messaging or written options, choose those first. If it offers a phone call only, consider using:

  • your phone’s live captions (if available)
  • speaker + captions (in a quiet setting)
  • a companion rider when possible for first trips

If you feel unsafe or confused

Your priority is clarity and control:

  • stop and re-check the app
  • use support options
  • if needed, exit in a safe public area (when allowed and safe)

Special tips for common hearing-aid challenges in vehicles

Hearing aids whistle (feedback) when you turn your head

That often means fit/seal issues—especially if:

  • your dome is slightly loose
  • your earmold needs adjustment
  • you recently changed weight or ear shape/comfort

A quick clinic check can usually fix this.

Your own voice sounds “boomy” or too loud

That can be:

  • a venting/fit issue
  • a program issue (too much low-frequency gain)
  • sometimes ear pressure changes from allergies or congestion

Again: fixable.

You feel tired after rides even if it wasn’t loud

Listening fatigue is real. If you’re riding robotaxis often, ask your audiologist to create a “car/road noise” program designed for comfort and clarity.


FAQ

Can I use Waymo if I’m deaf or hard of hearing?

Yes—many people prefer app-driven rides because they reduce the need for spoken conversation. The key is to set up strong visual and vibration alerts and rely on the app for pickup confirmation.

What’s the biggest problem for hearing aid users in robotaxis?

Usually pickup confirmation and missed notifications—not the ride itself. Make your phone’s alerts obvious and give yourself time at pickup.

Should I turn off my hearing aids in the car?

Usually no. But if road noise is uncomfortable, use a comfort program or lower volume slightly. If you frequently struggle, your audiologist can tune a car-specific program.

What if I miss an important alert?

Check the app and interior display. Most important instructions are presented visually. If you’re unsure, contact support through the app.


A quick checklist (copy/paste)

  • ✅ phone notifications set to vibration + visible alerts
  • ✅ brightness up, text size comfortable
  • ✅ hearing aids on stable “everyday” or “comfort in noise” program
  • ✅ verify vehicle details in the app before approaching
  • ✅ watch interior display for prompts during the ride
  • ✅ know how to contact support (prefer text/chat if available)

Need help making rides more comfortable with hearing aids?

If you ride often and notice road-noise fatigue, feedback, or speech clarity issues, that’s usually something an audiologist can improve with:

  • a fit check (domes/molds)
  • feedback calibration
  • a “car” program tuned for your hearing loss and comfort

If you’re in the Bay Area, California Hearing Center can help you optimize your settings for real-world situations like commuting and rideshares.