Health care of deaf persons during coronavirus pandemics

Abstract

Objective: To reflect about the barriers experienced by the deaf population during the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposals to overcome communication barriers in health care and the role of public policies in effecting the social inclusion of deaf people. Methods: Reflection based on studies on health care for deaf people, the COVID-19 pandemic and public accessibility policies. Results: The global crisis of COVID-19 has deepened pre-existing inequalities in the world, in addition to highlighting the vulnerability of people with disabilities, including deaf. Government, institutional and social initiatives to mitigate difficulties in communicating to deaf people have been made, but they are still insufficient to guarantee protection for them in this pandemic and full inclusion in health care. Final considerations: Social inclusion, supported by law, and the linguistic accessibility of deaf people still need to generate broad and concrete actions so that deaf people can enjoy their rights as citizens.

Individuals with hearing impairment/deafness during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A rapid review on communication challenges and strategies

“…The three narrative reviews identified aimed to ascertain issues and problems faced by individuals with HI during the COVID‐19 pandemic—caused by face masks and physical or social distancing—and to describe strategies to overcome these issues and problems (Correia & Ferreira, 2022; Garg et al, 2021; Tavanai et al, 2021). The three quasi‐experimental studies aimed to evaluate the potential sound reduction caused by wearing masks (Goldin et al, 2020) or by more technological devices such as powered air‐purifying respirator systems (Weiss et al, 2021), or the potential benefit of transparent masks or face shields on speech acoustics and sounds (Atcherson et al, 2020).…”

“…In this context, individuals with HI have been reported as particularly vulnerable in both the short and long terms given the decreased communication quality that they have experienced for more than 2 years (Trecca et al, 2020). Daily interactions and communication have been worsened by wearing masks or face shields, the required distancing and the suspension of hearing visits or hearing aid controls (Correia & Ferreira, 2022; Garg et al, 2021; Tavanai et al, 2021). Moreover, previous strategies used to improve the quality of communication—for example, emphasising labial movements while speaking or being closer in front of the patient while communicating with him/her—have limited power given the additional communication challenges they have experienced since the COVID‐19 pandemic restrictions began to be introduced in early 2020.…”

Access to Disclosure of Disasters Information for Deaf People through Sign Language Interpreter

“…According to (Correia & Ferreira, 2021), many obstacles that Deaf people regularly face in communicating with hearing people originated from the obvious language barrier that exists between them. These obstacles also feature a lack of knowledge among professionals in communicating properly with Deaf people (speaking with clear articulation and tone) or lack of knowledge on Sign Language at all.…”

‘All of a sudden, you know, you can’t go to these services, because of the risk of infection’: Audiological service considerations at residential care homes for older persons during COVID-19

“…Transparent masks have been offered as a potential opportunity to allow for lip-reading while still offering a barrier to mitigate for COVID-19 spread (Chodosh, Weinstein, & Blustein, 2020 ; Correia & Ferreira, 2021 ). Despite the potential benefit, Chodosh et al ( 2020 ) point out that there are few manufacturers of these masks and, therefore, Correia and Ferreria ( 2021 ) advocate for more investment in transparent masks.…”

“…Transparent masks have been offered as a potential opportunity to allow for lip-reading while still offering a barrier to mitigate for COVID-19 spread (Chodosh, Weinstein, & Blustein, 2020 ; Correia & Ferreira, 2021 ). Despite the potential benefit, Chodosh et al ( 2020 ) point out that there are few manufacturers of these masks and, therefore, Correia and Ferreria ( 2021 ) advocate for more investment in transparent masks. However, as Thibodeau, Thibodeau-Nielsen, Tran and Jacob ( 2021 ) point out, transparent masks can become fogged up by the warm breath on the inside of the mask, thereby obstructing the view of the speaker’s mouth.…”