Communication experiences of deaf and hearing-impaired competitive swimmers and their coaches in South Africa

Background: Effective communication between deaf swimmers and their coaches is vital for the athlete. Swimmers who wear amplification devices are often disadvantaged when engaging in the sport, as the devices cannot be worn, thereby impacting communication.
Objectives: To explore the communication experiences between deaf and hearing-impaired (D and HI) competitive swimmers and their coaches.
Method: An exploratory phenomenological qualitative research design using online questionnaires was utilised. Non-probability, purposive sampling was employed to select 11 participants (eight D and HI competitive swimmers and three coaches).
Results: Facilitators of effective communication included lip reading, the use of specific made-up signs and writing. Made-up signs are utilised; however, Sign Language was not considered to be the main form of communication because of the lack of knowledge by coaches, thus making communication difficult for swimmers who use Sign Language as their first language. Not being able to wear amplification devices when swimming and the lack of visual-based alerting systems in the swimming arena were identified as barriers. Communication between D and HI swimmers and a deaf coach was described as ‘seamless’, as an understanding of communication modes is established while working together. Inclusivity in the swimming environment is evident; however, there are instances where D and HI swimmers feel isolated.
Conclusion: Communication experiences within the swimming environment included challenges and barriers for both groups of participants. The coach’s relationship with the D and HI swimmer plays a major role in the effectiveness of communication.
Contribution: Fostering positive relationships between coaches and D and HI swimmers is mutually beneficial. Audiologists can play a role in encouraging and facilitating communication strategies with such sports men and women.