Preparing hard of hearing patients for the hospital

Undergoing any hospital procedure is stressful. Patients that are hard of hearing (HOH) face extra challenges, which raise the risk for communication breakdowns in their healthcare. Preparing patients in advance can alleviate these challenges and ensure a safer and more positive experience through the hospitalization.

Advanced planning, when possible, can empower patients to navigate and participate in their own care more fully. Hearing loss is an invisible condition and patients need to request available services and provide feedback to the staff to receive more individualized care. The following are important considerations for patients to know prior to hospitalization:

• Most facilities offer a Guide to Services that address specific protocols for HOH including Rights and Responsibilities of Patients, Non-Discrimination Policy, and Special Accommodations Services that are offered. The patient should review the Guide prior to his stay.

• Have the patient contact the hospital as far in advance as possible to discuss and request aids or services and arrange for accommodations such as: o Sign Language Interpreters (if the patient is signing proficient) o TTY phones o Amplified hearing devices, amplified phones with visual phone ring, real time captioning, closed captioning on TVs, FM systems, Pocket Talkers, etc.

• Ask if hearing devices/cochlear implant processors can stay in/on during surgery or until the patient falls asleep. If not, bring a container labeled with the patient’s name for storing the devices during surgery and request they be reattached immediately after surgery. o Some patients with a cochlear implant should not have an MRI. Patients need to notify providers if this applies to them. • Have the patient arrange for an advocate to stay with them as much as possible (family member or friend who is familiar with the patient’s hearing loss).

• Inquire if staff at the hospital are trained in the impact of hearing loss on patient care, the diversity of hearing loss, how to identify people with hearing loss and how to work effectively with HOH patients.

• Ensure that all staff including nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists and recovery room staff are aware of the patient’s hearing loss and how best to communicate with him. o Post signs in the room, above bed, at the nurses’ station, on the chart o Make sure staff know they will need to come to the room rather than use the intercom when the patient presses the call light. o Request that staff wear clear surgical masks or remove them when speaking to the patient. • Questions to consider: o Are any medicines used ototoxic and are there alternatives? o How will the effects of anesthesia impact the patient’s ability to communicate? • Inform doctors that the patient’s otolaryngologist or audiology specialist should be contacted if there is a perceived change in hearing after the procedure.

• Ensure that the procedure is discussed and reviewed completely and the patient understands the details prior to signing consent.

• Plan a hospital kit. Patients can create their own or purchase one from the Hearing Loss Association of America website (hearingloss.org). Contents can include: o An instruction card for how to attach/turn on hearing devices o Signs to place above the bed, on the bedside table, on the IV pole with the International Symbol of Deaf/Hard of Hearing and a list of instructions (Get my Attention, Face Me, Speak Clearly and Slowly, Wake Me By____,) o A small plastic bag or container, labeled with the patient’s name and room number, to hold hearing devices when they are not being worn o A pad of paper and pen to keep within arm’s reach Better Hearing and Balance Connection is here to help. Better Hearing has two locations to better serve you: 407 Town Center NE in Bella Vista and 906 NW 8th St. in Bentonville. Dr. Gretchen Magee, Au.D. and Dr. Shawn Key, Au.D. can diagnose and treat tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance disorders. For more information, contact Better Hearing at (479) 6576464 to schedule your appointment today.