Across the US, approximately one in six (15%) live with some degree of hearing loss. For these individuals, a visit to a museum, gallery or landmark can be an entirely different experience.
That’s why it’s vital for cultural sites across the country to do their part in making experiences more accessible. With innovative technologies like Auracast now being installed throughout the US, access is becoming easier than ever, meaning things are only set to get better.
As part of ReSound’s commitment to raising awareness around hearing accessibility and celebrating spaces that make memorable experiences open to everyone, the team has carried out a study into the tourist attractions leading the way when it comes to supporting visitors with hearing loss.
The research examined TripAdvisor ratings and reviews mentioning terms such as “deaf,” “hearing impaired,” “hearing aids,” and “ASL (American Sign Language),” alongside the accessibility features each location offers. The results reveal the best destinations for hearing accessibility, shining a light on the places making culture truly inclusive.
The top 10 most accessible attractions for hearing loss in the US, revealed
We analyzed 20 of the most popular attractions and cultural landmarks across the US, combining insights from TripAdvisor and official accessibility information to determine an overall ranking of which sites best support visitors with hearing loss.
Alcatraz Island claimed first place when it came to accessibility
Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco, California, topped our list as the most accessible attraction, earning an impressive score of 65 out of 80.
Once the most secure federal prison in the United States, home to some of the nation’s most notorious inmates, Alcatraz is a world-class museum that now welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Its high TripAdvisor rating and wide range of accessibility features helped secure its top ranking. The island also offers sensory maps and American Sign Language (ASL) video tours, ensuring visitors with hearing loss can fully engage with its rich history.
Recognizing the challenges noisy environments can present, the park has introduced designated quiet times, events, and areas where affected visitors can enjoy everything Alcatraz has to offer to create a calmer experience for those who need it.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art claimed second place on our list!
Coming in second place was The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located in the heart of New York City, with an overall score of 63.9 out of 80.
Home to more than two million works, The Met is arguably one of the most famous art museums in the world. It offers a timeline of art and history filled with hidden treasures, including exhibitions inspired by celebrity red carpet looks from the Met Gala.
TripAdvisor reviewers gave it an impressive 4.8 out of 5. The museum features sign language tours, induction hearing loops, and designated quiet areas, allowing visitors with hearing loss to explore and enjoy each piece’s rich history at their own pace.
With so much to discover, The Met ensures that every visitor can fully enjoy everything the museum has to offer.
The Art Institute of Chicago ranked in third place
Rounding out the top three was The Art Institute of Chicago, with a total score of 57.8 out of 80.
The gallery is home to one of the best impressionist collections outside of Paris, offering art lovers the chance to view a wide range of spectacular modern pieces.
It also provides a strong range of accessibility options for visitors with hearing loss. All auditoriums are equipped with assistive listening systems, including T-coil compatibility, ensuring hearing aid users can enjoy events and exhibitions comfortably.
In addition, the museum offers ASL-interpreted lectures on request and provides sensory maps to help visitors navigate the space with ease.
Ranked: These are the best attractions for visitors with hearing loss, according to online reviews
With our hearing health under the spotlight more than ever and growing awareness around the importance of ear care, the Hearing Loss Accessible Attractions Index also highlights which destinations are best suited to visitors with hearing loss.
To compile the list, we analyzed positive TripAdvisor reviews that mentioned hearing-related terms such as “deaf,” “hearing impaired,” “hard of hearing,” and “ASL.” These were used to generate an average score out of 10, helping to identify the top tourist attractions for visitors with hearing loss to enjoy a day out with friends and family.
Alcatraz Island and Graceland land on top for visitors with hearing loss
Tied in first place with a perfect score of 10 out of 10 were Alcatraz Island and Elvis Presley’s lavish mansion-turned-museum, Graceland.
Visitors praised both attractions in their reviews for their inclusive features. At Graceland, reviewers highlighted quiet times to pay respects to the king of rock and roll, as well as guided tours through Alcatraz’s historic prison. Some even noted that the presence of sign language interpreters made them feel genuinely included.
Third place went to the Biltmore Estate
In third place on the list was the Biltmore Estate, located in North Carolina, with a score of 9.4 out of 10. Known as America’s largest private home, the estate spans 8,000 acres and includes gardens, a hotel, a spa, and hiking trails.
TripAdvisor reviewers praised the Biltmore Estate for its strong accessibility features. Visitors highlighted the availability of audio devices for self-guided tours, allowing them to explore the estate’s rich history at their own pace.
Others said the staff’s extra efforts to support visitors with hearing loss, maintaining face-to-face communication and sitting close during guided tours to ensure clarity and understanding.
9/11 Memorial and Empire State Building hit the top five
Also ranking in the top five were the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum and the Empire State Building, both located in New York City, scoring 8.9 and 8.3 out of 10, respectively.
Which attractions have the best facilities for people with hearing loss?
As part of our index, we also examined which attractions offered the most facilities to ensure a visit to one of America’s top-rated destinations is an enjoyable and accessible experience.
Each attraction was assessed across six key factors, with each scored out of 10. This included the availability of sensory maps, ASL tours, induction hearing loops, quiet times, and events specially designed for visitors with hearing loss. These elements were then used to calculate a total accessibility score out of 60.
Alcatraz Island, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Art Institute of Chicago tie in first place
Tied for first place in our ranking were Alcatraz Island, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Art Institute of Chicago, each earning a score of 50 out of 60.
These attractions ranked highly due to their range of features supporting visitors with hearing loss, including sensory maps, sign language tours, quiet areas and events.
Studies have shown that busy, noisy environments can make it significantly harder for people with hearing loss to follow what’s happening around them. So having these features can help them to feel more included and able to enjoy attractions at their own pace.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum ranks among the top five
Also making the top five was the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, which scored 40 out of 60. Designed as a space for reflection in the heart of a bustling city, the memorial features rescued artifacts, audio clips, and personal stories that bring the events of September 11th into sharp focus.
In terms of accessibility for visitors with hearing loss, the memorial includes captioned video and designated quiet areas, including the Reflecting Studio. Induction loops are installed throughout the museum, transmitting audio direction into the hearing aids and cochlear implants wherever audio is used.
Dr. Jenn Schumacher, audiologist at ReSound, shares her expert insight into why hearing accessibility is so important at attraction venues and how modern advancements should be embraced to ensure people with hearing loss can enjoy a day out at even the busiest destinations:
“Attractions like museums, theaters, galleries or famous landmarks are designed to bring joy, culture and connection. But for those living with hearing loss, these experiences can quickly become isolating if the right technology and support aren’t in place.
“Modern hearing devices have come a long way in recent years. We now have solutions with seamless connectivity that can integrate directly into the visitor experience. Venues that adopt these technologies are the ones truly making a difference, ensuring that all visitors can consistently engage with the surrounding information.
“Many facilities already offer visual cues and captioning as part of video content, but it goes beyond that. Hearing accessibility should be built in where possible from the start. This includes making sure staff are properly trained to support guests with hearing loss.
“Ultimately, attractions that are accessible create shared experiences that are richer and more inclusive. That way, no one is left out of the magic of a day out.”
Methodology:
Taking a seed list of 20 of the most visited and popular tourist attractions across the US in 2025, we analyzed multiple variables in order to identify which were the most accessible for visitors with hearing loss.
The variables assessed were TripAdvisor Score, Number of TripAdvisor reviews that mentioned “deaf,” “hearing impaired,” “hearing aids,” “hard of hearing,” or “ASL (American Sign Language),” Induction Loop/Sound Enhancements, Sensory Maps, Quiet Times, Quiet Areas, Sign Language Guides/Tours/Videos, and Events for those with hearing loss.
Each location was ranked out of 80 using a normalization method to create an overall accessibility score. To calculate that score, we used the following:
- TripAdvisor rating (10 points): Based on the average rating (1-5 stars).
- Accessibility-related reviews (10 points): Based on the number of reviews mentioning “deaf,” “hearing loss,” or “ASL.”
Accessibility features (60 points): Awarded 10 points for each of six key features (induction loops, sensory maps, quiet time, quiet areas, sign language tours, and events for those with hearing loss).
Sources:
NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex | Empire State Building | Sun Studio | Stetson Mansion | John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park | National Museum of World War II Aviation | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Alcatraz Island | Iolani Palace | Chihuly Garden and Glass | Statue of Liberty | The Art Institute of Chicago | Antelope Canyon | Biltmore Estate | Mount Rushmore National Memorial | Graceland | Griffith Observatory | The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum | Fenway Park | American Museum of Natural History | TripAdvisor
