Clinical Report: Hearing Loss and Communication Barriers in Hospital and Hemodialysis Settings
Overview
This cross-sectional study found that nearly half (46%) of patients in hospital and hemodialysis settings had hearing loss, with those affected reporting significantly more difficulty communicating with healthcare workers. Common patient-suggested solutions include asking about hearing difficulties, involving family, using transparent masks, and rephrasing communication.
Background
Hearing loss is a common but often underrecognized barrier to effective communication in healthcare settings, impacting patient experience and outcomes. Despite available communication tools and strategies, their use in clinical practice remains limited, partly due to low awareness of hearing loss prevalence among patients. This study aimed to quantify hearing loss prevalence in inpatient and hemodialysis populations and explore patient perceptions of communication challenges and potential improvements.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Inpatients (n=200)
Hemodialysis Patients (n=172)
Total (n=372)
Male, n (%)
Not specified
Not specified
213 (57.3%)
Median Age (IQR), years
Not specified
Not specified
65 (52-75)
Hearing Loss Prevalence, n (%)
93 (46.5%)
78 (45.3%)
171 (46.0%)
Difficulty Communicating with HCWs, n (%) among hearing loss
Not specified
Not specified
31 (18.6%)
Difficulty Communicating with HCWs, n (%) no hearing loss
Not specified
Not specified
11 (5.6%)
Key Findings
Overall hearing loss prevalence was 46.0% among 372 participants in hospital and hemodialysis settings.
Prevalence was similar between inpatients (46.5%) and hemodialysis patients (45.3%).
Participants with hearing loss reported significantly more difficulty communicating with healthcare workers (18.6%) than those without hearing loss (5.6%).
Four most frequent patient-suggested communication improvements were: asking about hearing difficulties, involving family/friends, using transparent masks, and rephrasing information.
Hearing loss is associated with risks including misdiagnoses, increased falls, longer hospital stays, complications, and readmissions.
Study limitations include selection bias due to enrollment criteria requiring clinical stability and English proficiency.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should routinely screen for hearing loss in hospital and hemodialysis patients to identify those at risk for communication difficulties. Implementing simple strategies such as asking about hearing needs, involving support persons, and using transparent masks can improve communication. Training healthcare workers and documenting hearing status clearly are essential steps to enhance patient safety and care quality.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is highly prevalent among hospital and hemodialysis patients and significantly impairs communication with healthcare workers. Addressing this gap through awareness, screening, and tailored communication strategies is critical to improving patient outcomes and healthcare equity.
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