Barriers of Hearing-Impaired Pregnant Women in Utilizing Antenatal Care Services at Public Health Facilities, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

<i>Background</i>: Although Ethiopia has improved the accessibility of antenatal care services for pregnant women, there is a lack of specific data about the barriers hearing-impaired pregnant women encounter during their antenatal care visits, both nationally and in the study region. <i>Purpose</i>: The study aimed to explore barriers that hearing-impaired pregnant women encounter when utilizing antenatal care services at public health facilities (health centers or hospitals). <i>Methods</i>: A qualitative design was applied for this study. Study settings and participants were selected through purposive sampling techniques and interviewed individually using an interview guide, with the assistance of a voice recorder and field notes. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim, analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. The study was conducted in six districts (three urban and three rural) in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, between June and July 2023. <i>Findings</i>: Four major themes were identified: staff attitude, staff communication, participants’ perceptions, and inclusive antenatal care services. <i>Conclusions</i>: The antenatal care service barriers for hearing-impaired pregnant women emanating from health facilities and self-perceptions or beliefs. Thus, it is imperative to develop socially sensitive and inclusive antenatal care service programs to better address the barriers.