Clinical Scorecard: Communication Challenges and Hearing Impairment in Hospital and Hemodialysis Environments
At a Glance
Category
Detail
Condition
Hearing loss impacting communication in healthcare settings
Key Mechanisms
Hearing impairment leads to communication barriers between patients and healthcare workers (HCWs), affecting health outcomes
Target Population
Adult inpatients and outpatients receiving hemodialysis
Care Setting
Hospital inpatient and outpatient hemodialysis environments
Key Highlights
Nearly half (46.0%) of study participants had hearing loss, with similar prevalence in inpatient and hemodialysis groups.
Participants with hearing loss reported significantly more difficulty communicating with HCWs (18.6%) compared to those without hearing loss (5.6%).
Commonly suggested communication improvements included asking about hearing difficulties, involving family/friends, using transparent masks, and rephrasing.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Routinely identify hearing loss in patients using screening tools such as mobile hearing tests or self-reported hearing device use.
Management
Implement communication accommodations including involving family/friends, using transparent masks, and rephrasing information.
Train healthcare workers to recognize and address hearing loss to improve communication and patient safety.
Monitoring & Follow-up
Document hearing status clearly in patient records to ensure consistent accommodation.
Monitor patient satisfaction and communication effectiveness, especially in those identified with hearing loss.
Risks
Unaddressed hearing loss may lead to reduced communication satisfaction, misdiagnoses, increased falls, longer hospital stays, complications, poor adherence postdischarge, and higher readmission rates.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Adult inpatients and hemodialysis outpatients with or without hearing loss
Communication strategies and accommodations are essential adjuncts to clinical care to improve understanding and outcomes in patients with hearing impairment.
Clinical Best Practices
Screen patients routinely for hearing loss using validated tools or self-report.
Engage family members or friends to support communication when appropriate.
Use transparent masks to facilitate lip reading and nonverbal cues.
Rephrase information to ensure patient understanding.
Provide healthcare worker training on hearing loss awareness and communication techniques.
Maintain clear documentation of patients’ hearing status and accommodations.
