Barriers Faced by Deaf Individuals while Availing Speech and Hearing Services

Reuben Thomas  Varghese; Rajkumar  Rimmalapudi; Rubby  Viren; Karthik Venkat  Sridaran; Reshma  Odungattu; Govindaraju  Teja

doi:10.18502/avr.v34i3.18461

Reuben Thomas Varghese Department of Speech-Language Sciences, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
Rajkumar Rimmalapudi Department of Special Education, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
Rubby Viren Department of Clinical Services, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
Karthik Venkat Sridaran Department of Electronics, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
Reshma Odungattu Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Sign Language Center, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
Govindaraju Teja Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Sign Language Center, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v34i3.18461

Keywords: Communication barriers; deafness; health services accessibility

Abstract

Background and Aim: Deaf individuals in India face significant auditory impairment, leading to challenges in accessing services. Studies highlight the need to enhance communication services and accessibility to ensure fair access to resources for the deaf community. The present study aimed to address the barriers faced by deaf individuals while availing speech and hearing services in India.

Methods: A total of 325 deaf individuals were considered in the age range of 18–30 years, and a survey research design was employed. A 25-item questionnaire was developed under three domains: communication barriers, service access barriers, and psychological barriers. The questionnaires were given to the participants to fill, and the responses were calculated.

Results: The overall results revealed that service access barriers were more compared to communication barriers and psychological barriers. In services-related barriers, the results revealed communication barriers, 74% of the participants preferred sign language during speech and hearing consultations and required counselling by professionals in sign language. Further, in terms of psychological barriers, 70% of participants lacked confidence in visiting speech and hearing institutes/clinics. Moreover, 78.8% of participants reported a need for more materials in sign language at the appointment sections and a lack of sign language interpreters while accessing services in terms of service access barriers.

Conclusion: Addressing these barriers faced by deaf individuals is critical to ensure equitable access to services and promote positive experiences while they are availing speech and hearing services.