Communicating with D/deaf patients

Abstract

While healthcare assistants and assistants practitioners frequently engage in prolonged and routine interactions with patients, they often feel ill-equipped when communicating with individuals who have hearing loss. This article seeks to shed light on these communication challenges and propose strategies for enhancement. The article emphasises some of the inequities that D/deaf people may face. Resolution of such inequities will require adjustments from both individuals and organisations, both of which must prioritise patient care as the central focus for change.