Communicating With Patients With Hearing Loss or Deafness—Can You Hear Me?

This article discusses the challenges faced by patients with hearing impairment in healthcare settings, highlighting a case where a deaf patient's needs were not adequately recognized during treatment. Despite documented deafness in the patient's medical records, staff members were unaware, leading to communication failures and potential neglect. The article emphasizes the importance of effective communication for equitable care and proposes practical approaches, including staff awareness, environmental optimization, and communication support such as a personal sound amplifier.

It suggests implementing color-coded notification banners in electronic health records and corresponding wristbands to ensure prompt recognition of communication impairments. These measures aim to improve care for patients with hearing impairment and promote patient-centered communication in healthcare settings.