Communicative Challenges of the Deaf Community in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic Desafíos comunicativos de la comunidad sorda en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID- 19

Abstract

The objective of this research was to describe the communication of a population with hearing loss in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the sociodemographic characterization, the identification of communication barriers, as well as the vulnerability, risk and protection factors that may influence their communication. Additionally, we sought to establish a communication profile of this population during the pandemic period.

A methodology based on an emancipatory paradigm was used, with a mixed approach combining quantitative and qualitative techniques. The design was non-experimental and descriptive. The sample consisted of 22 participants who met the inclusion criteria. A sociodemographic survey and a qualitative interview were used for data collection.

The results showed that most of the participants were in low socioeconomic strata and resided in urban areas. Informal employment predominated, with important limitations in the educational and work environments, and living in extended households. Among the main communication barriers identified were the impossibility of lip-reading due to the use of masks, the lack of Colombian Sign Language interpreters, the absence of appropriate devices and difficulties in handling digital platforms. These factors hindered effective communication, increasing isolation during the pandemic. Likewise, it was observed that the population mainly used Colombian Sign Language, written messages and technological platforms such as WhatsApp for communication.