Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42084186›Full record

ArticleThe South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir Kommunikasieafwykings2026

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

Dhanashree Pillay, Caitlin Lewington

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in The South African journal of communication disorders = Die Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir Kommunikasieafwykings, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

2 authors.

Dhanashree PillayDepartment of Audiology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. dhanashree.pillay@wits.ac.za.
Caitlin Lewington

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEffective 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.

objectivesTo explore the communication experiences between deaf and hearing-impaired (D and HI) competitive swimmers and their coaches.

methodAn 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).

resultsFacilitators 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.

conclusionCommunication 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.

Indexed as

AthletesCommunicationPersons with Hearing DisabilitiesSwimmingAdolescentAdultCommunication BarriersFemaleHumansMaleQualitative ResearchSign LanguageSouth AfricaSurveys and QuestionnairesYoung AdultathletecoachesdeafinclusivitySign Languageswimming

Identifiers

PMID42084186
PMCPMC13149596

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LicenceCC BY
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