Sign Language Technology Makes Medical Information Accessible

Medicine package inserts may appear easy to access. They are printed, organized into sections, and presented in written language. Yet for many deaf people, the information they contain can be difficult to understand, particularly when it involves unfamiliar medical terminology or complicated concepts.

A common misconception among hearing people is that deafness does not affect someone's ability to understand written information. Although many deaf people can read, literacy alone does not guarantee that complex medical language will be readily understood. Terms such as “dosage” and “contraindication,” for example, may be clearly printed but can still be challenging to interpret in a medical context.

Part of the challenge can be traced to differences in early language exposure. Hearing children are often exposed to between 1,000 and 2,000 words through listening before reaching the age of six. Deaf children may not receive the same level of incidental exposure to spoken language. This can make sophisticated written material, including healthcare information, more difficult to comprehend later on.

When patients cannot fully understand instructions or other important medical information, the issue extends beyond communication—it can affect equitable access to healthcare.

Using Technology to Make Medical Information Understandable

Technology can help address this gap by presenting information in a form that is more accessible, while complementing rather than replacing human communication.

Since 2021, Boehringer Ingelheim has offered a sign language avatar alongside package information for selected products. For its Animal Health brand FRONTPRO®, pet owners can visit a dedicated website where the avatar presents the medical information in sign language.

Rather than converting each written sentence directly into individual signs, the avatar communicates the intended meaning using the grammar, structure and natural rhythm of sign language. Facial expressions, gestures and other visual elements help convey nuances that a literal, word-for-word translation might miss. More complicated medical concepts are therefore interpreted within their broader context rather than simply recited.

The experience also combines sign language with additional visual information. While the avatar explains how the medicine works, a video in the background demonstrates application procedures and illustrates the product's mechanism of action. Combining these visual elements can reinforce key instructions, support appropriate use and help minimize the possibility of medication errors.

The objective is not to make medical information less detailed. Instead, it is to provide equivalent information through a communication format that is accurate, understandable and accessible to deaf users.