Abstract

Background: The World Health Organisation estimates that 466 million people were living with hearing impairment in 2018 and this estimate is projected to rise to 630 million by 2030 and to over 900 million by 2050 (World Health Organisation, 2018). However, it is estimated that there are around 200,000 deaf people in Zambia, which is around 2% of the total population (Samantha, 2019).

Methods: The study employed a hermeneutic phenomenological design. Purposive sampling with snowball sampling was used to recruit seven deaf participants, ensuring data richness and reaching saturation. Data analysis was guided by Van Manen's four existential dimensions of lived experience, alongside Lazarus and Folkman’s coping theory for interpretation.

Results: Based on the data collected, participants' lived experiences were categorized into five key areas of communication barriers: lack of sign language knowledge among nurses, difficulty with reading and writing, reliance on nonverbal communication, absence of assistance and Long waiting time. These challenges can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness and anxiety for the deaf, and can result in poor health outcomes and decreased satisfaction with care

Conclusion: Communication in the nursing encounter between nurses and deaf individuals can be extremely challenging and stressful for both parties. However, with appropriate training and institutional reforms, these challenges can be mitigated, leading to more effective healthcare outcomes and improved nurse-patient relationships.