Improving communication with patients with a hearing impairment

The main barrier to communication for people who are hearing impaired is the lack of consideration by others. These patients can face prolonged or unnecessary illnesses due to inadequate communication with their health care providers. However, by being prepared, and by preparing the patient, health workers can ensure good communication, thereby giving patients access to appropriate and effective health care. Please note that patients with both visual and hearing impairments require even more consideration! before the appointment Patients with hearing impairments, with or without hearing aids, may communicate in a variety of ways with health personnel. Some patients speak and speech-read or lip-read, some use sign language or communicate by writing notes, and some bring someone with them to interpret. When advertising the eye clinic, or booking appointments, include information for patients on what to bring with them – such as their interpreter or their hearing aid. Reception and waiting areas Waiting areas in clinics can be very noisy. Patients with severe or profound hearing loss will not hear shouted instructions or staff calling out their name. Those with moderate hearing loss can also have difficulty. The following general provisions may be helpful: • In the waiting room, in addition to calling out the patient’s name when it is his/her turn to be seen, use a number system or a sign (e.g. a board with the patient’s name written on it). • Write the most important information on clearly displayed signs. • Put up a sign in your waiting room asking patients to inform you if they have a hearing impairment, and whether a sign language interpreter is available. Do not rely on being able to see a hearing aid – not all patients with hearing impairments wear these. • If a patient with a hearing impairment calls in advance to make an appointment (or if someone else calls PRaCTiCaL aDViCe