To support more inclusive and accessible healthcare systems, the European Federation of Hard of Hearing People (EFHOH) is pleased to launch the Accessible Healthcare for Persons With Hearing Loss: Improving Equity in Patient Communication Across Europe, a practical toolkit developed in collaboration with hard of hearing people and accessibility experts.
For millions of people with hearing loss, healthcare appointments can be accompanied by communication barriers that affect access to information, independence, and informed decision-making. From booking appointments and understanding medical advice to accessing emergency care, communication accessibility remains an essential component of quality healthcare.
The new toolkit, provides practical recommendations for healthcare professionals and providers on how to make healthcare services more accessible through inclusive communication practices, assistive listening technologies, communication support services, and accessible telehealth solutions. It also includes a quick-reference checklist to support implementation across healthcare settings.
By improving communication accessibility, healthcare providers can help ensure that people with hearing loss can access care with confidence, dignity, and equal participation.
We invite healthcare professionals, policymakers, patient organisations, and advocates to adapt the toolkit in their practice and join us in advancing accessible healthcare across Europe.
For any questions, feedback, or enquiries regarding the toolkit, please contact us at lavinia.rotundi@efhoh.org
