Pharmacists are often unable to maintain satisfactory communication with people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHoH), potentially exposing them to various risks related to the use of medications.

To evaluate the use of medications, knowledge on the rational use, and communication with the pharmacist during dispensing of medications among people who are DHoH.

A pilot cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2020 among DHoH in Brazil. Data were collected using an online questionnaire about sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, the use of medications, knowledge on the rational use of medications, and communication with the pharmacist at dispensing. The questionnaire was developed in Brazilian Sign Language.

Twenty-one responses were obtained. The mean age of DHoH was 31.9 years, 67% were females, and 38% had cochlear implants. The most used medications were analgesics (22.2%), and anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic drugs (14.3%). The responses to the 20 statements on the rational use of medications resulted in a mean of 13.2 correct responses per individual. Almost all participants answered correctly about medication intake times and expiration dates of medications. Only 33.3% of the patients answered that they would approach the pharmacist in case of questions regarding the medications. Most participants who were DHoH were dissatisfied with pharmacist counseling during dispensation of medications.

This study revealed an important reflection on a possible self-medication by patients who are DHoH, poor knowledge of rational use of medication, and dissatisfaction with pharmacist counseling during dispensing of medications.