Communication Challenges and Hearing Impairment in Hospital and Hemodialysis Environments - Takeaways - MDSpire

Communication Challenges and Hearing Impairment in Hospital and Hemodialysis Environments

  • By

  • Meaghan Lunney

  • Natasha Wiebe

  • Alex DeBusschere

  • Susan Szigety

  • Gillian Crysdale

  • Sonja Reid

  • Nancy Verdin

  • Stephanie Thompson

  • David Nicholas

  • Kara Schick-Makaroff

  • Jayna Holroyd-Leduc

  • Maoliosa Donald

  • Sharon Straus

  • Lorienne Jenstad

  • Patti-Jo Sullivan

  • Tanis Howarth

  • Julie Evans

  • Marcello Tonelli

  • April 28, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Hearing loss affects communication in healthcare, impacting patient experience and health outcomes.

  • 2

    A study found a 46% prevalence of hearing loss among patients in Alberta's hospitals and hemodialysis units.

  • 3

    Patients with hearing loss reported more communication difficulties with healthcare workers compared to those without.

  • 4

    Suggestions to improve communication included asking about hearing difficulties and using transparent masks.

  • 5

    Raising awareness and training healthcare workers on accommodating hearing loss is crucial for patient safety and satisfaction.

Original Source(s)

Communication Challenges and Hearing Impairment in Hospital and Hemodialysis Environments

  • by Meaghan Lunney, Natasha Wiebe, Alex DeBusschere, Susan Szigety, Gillian Crysdale, Sonja Reid, Nancy Verdin, Stephanie Thompson, David Nicholas, Kara Schick-Makaroff, Jayna Holroyd-Leduc, Maoliosa Donald, Sharon Straus, Lorienne Jenstad, Patti-Jo Sullivan, Tanis Howarth, Julie Evans, Marcello Tonelli

  • April 28, 2026

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