Title

EXPERIENCES IN ACCESSING HEALTHCARE SERVICES AMONG INDIVIDUALS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY

Author(s)

JALALON, DANNIELLE FERNAN M.

LEDESMA, ZHIDUONA J.

LOBIDO, TRICIA MERL F.

MAISOG, KRISTINE MAE E.

NEIS, JOHN ANGELO

Affiliation

Misamis University

Degree Program

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Contributor

Elmedulan, Arnielyn, M.

Elmedulan, Ginalyn C.

Robles, Chona J.

Tojino, Amie G.

Year

2025

Abstract

People with hearing impairment often face challenges when accessing healthcare services, which can prevent them from receiving proper care. This study examines and seeks to understand the challenges individuals with hearing impairments face in accessing healthcare services. A qualitative, narrative inquiry design was employed, focusing on the experiences of seven participants from one selected barangay in Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Philippines, who had recently undergone healthcare encounters. The research instrument consisted of semi-structured interviews, with the data analyzed thematically. The study identified three major themes: (1) Communication Modalities, including reliance on improvised communication and family as intermediaries due to lack of accessible communication; (2) Psychosocial Struggles, encompassing diminished autonomy, overdependence, and interpersonal isolation resulting from communication barriers; and (3) Healthcare Approach, including dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers, empathetic care, and specialized services preference among individuals with hearing impairment. The findings reveal that deaf individuals continue facing real challenges in healthcare settings, primarily due to inadequate communication tools and support systems. Without interpreters or assistive technology, patients are often forced to rely on improvised methods, such as writing, typing, or gestures, which can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. Family members frequently serve as interpreters, particularly during critical moments, which strips deaf patients of privacy and autonomy in healthcare decision-making. These repeated negative experiences cause significant emotional strain, with deaf patients experiencing feelings of being ignored, anxious, and frustrated, often leading to healthcare avoidance. Healthcare providers, though well-meaning, are often untrained in deaf communication, displaying impatience or discomfort that makes patients feel burdened rather than valued. Based on these findings, researchers recommend addressing challenges through inclusive communication practices, providing healthcare worker training in basic sign language, offering interpretation services, and developing specialized services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals with hearing difficulties.

Keywords

communication barriers, healthcare access, healthcare provider attitudes, hearing impairment, narrative inquiry