Management of hearing-impaired in-patients in an active treatment hospital
Peberdy, S.; Eastman, L.; Pichora-Fuller, M.K.; Reesor, P.; Alberti, P.W.
Journal of Otolaryngology 13(4): 221-226
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0381-6605 PMID: 6236304 Document Number: 241722
Hearing loss is the most prevalent chronic disability in North America today. The incidence of hearing loss in hospitalized patients is even greater than the incidence in the general population (7%). Hearing-impaired patients may be found in any ward of a hospital. Even mild hearing loss can result in communication difficulty that can increase patient anxiety, decrease speed and accuracy of diagnosis, and reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Three illustrative case studies and specific recommendations for improving the management of hearing-impaired patients are provided.