HOW TO MANAGE HEARING LOSS DURING A HOSPITAL STAY
Individuals with hearing disabilities have different communication skills and the hospital should consult with each individual to determine what aids or services are necessary to provide effective communication in particular situations.
Hearing loss is tough enough when we’re in our normal routine. It becomes that much tougher when you’re in a new environment—like being in a hospital. Here are some tips on how to manage your hospital stay:
1) How will hospital personnel be notified about your hearing loss? All staff including nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists, and recovery room staff should be aware that you have a hearing loss and how you communicate. You may have difficulty hearing when emerging from anesthesia. Hospital personnel may think that you appear non-responsive or are not responding appropriately if they are not notified about your hearing loss.
2) Can a sign noting your hearing loss be posted above your bed? This is especially important at night when your hearing aids or devices are removed and the night staff may be unaware of your hearing loss. Some hospitals may be reluctant to offer this without your requesting it because of patient privacy rights. The benefit outweighs the privacy issues. Healthcare providers tend to speak before checking your chart so the sign is important even if your chart is noted with the hearing loss.
3) Stickers with the universal symbol for hearing loss are available through the Independent Living Centers and other organizations dealing with disabilities. Place them where hospital staff can easily see them.
4) Are the nurses aware that you may not be able to hear them over the intercom? Can the hospital place a sticker on the intercom at the nurse’s station indicating that you are hard of hearing or deaf? This will alert the staff not to use the intercom if you are unable to hear it. Since the staff will need to come into your room rather than speak over the intercom, the hospital may want to place you in a room near the nurse’s station.
5) Did you pack a pad and pen for use in the hospital room? This will allow both you and the staff to write down critical information and medical terms to make sure they are properly understood.
6) Cans staff wear clear surgical masks or remove them when they speak to you? Let everyone know prior to entering the operating room if you rely on lip reading and therefore need to see people’s faces clearly. The entire OR process should be discussed and reviewed with you prior to entering the OR.
7) What visual alerts does the hospital offer for emergencies and to alert you that someone is at the door? There are a variety of devices that can alert individuals with hearing loss to emergencies, the phone ringing, or a visitor at the door. Find out what the hospital has available that will work for you.
8) Are assistive listening devices and/or captions available for the television? A portable DVD player or laptop and DVDs are an alternative.
Your hospital stay will be a less stressful experience if you do some advance preparation and inform the hospital about your hearing loss. Communicating your needs and limitations as well as the services that you require will ensure that you and the hospital are well prepared.
