Access and communication of deaf adults: a voice silenced in health services

Objective: To investigate the access and communication of deaf adults in health services. Method: A descriptive study conducted from March/2011 to July/2012 in a school of audio-communication located in Campina Grande/Paraiba, Brazil. Participated 36 patients who answered a questionnaire about access and communication in health services, and the data analyzed in SPSS. Results: It found that 75% of deaf people access medical services and 88.9% the dental service, being public institutions the most accessed ones (53,1%). The main factors that motivated 25% did not seek health services were: no need (88,8%) and not having anyone to follow (44,4%). All reported difficulties in communication with health professionals, being the help of a family member (86,1%) the alternative most commonly used. Conclusion: The access for deaf adults in health services permeated by difficulties, and the difficulty of nonverbal communication is the major factor that weakens the inclusion of these individuals