Bluetooth hearing aids and examinations

In 2023, BATOD’s statutory assessment and examination access arrangements working group was made aware that deaf students had been advised to remove their hearing aids in exams. BATOD provided guidance to BATOD members, other members of the deaf education community, JCQ, Qualifications Scotland, and Ofqual’s Access Consultation Forum.

This updated BATOD, BAEA and ALTWG guidance sets out the procedures for managing Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, cochlear implant processors, or bone conduction hearing devices and assistive listening technology (ALT) in GCSE/Nationals, AS and A level/Advanced Highers examinations, ensuring compliance with JCQ/Qualification Scotland regulations while supporting equitable access for deaf candidates.

Contact us

Please continue to let BATOD via [email protected] know of concerns you have about exam/assessment practice for deaf learners and the questions set in papers.