Healthcare accessibility for vulnerable people with hearing loss: A systematic review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17484566Keywords:
accessibility, hearing impairment, patients, vulnerable populations, health servicesAbstract
This study addressed the accessibility of health services for people with hearing loss in vulnerable contexts through a qualitative literature review. The Scielo, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and ProQuest databases were searched, initially identifying 350 articles, of which 29 met the inclusion criteria. The results highlighted four fundamental barriers hindering access to hearing care: organizational, individual, structural, and social. These limitations generate health inequalities for this population. Among the main obstacles are the lack of inclusive protocols, insufficient specialized resources, high costs, and negative sociocultural perceptions, all of which contribute to social exclusion. Therefore, the study concludes that it is urgent to integrate hearing health into primary care through comprehensive public policies that promote coordinated actions in financing, professional training, infrastructure improvement, and community education. These measures are necessary to guarantee equitable and timely access, fostering the well-being and effective social inclusion of people with hearing disabilities.
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