Communication and Healthcare: Self-Reports of People with Hearing Loss in Primary Care Settings.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Objectives: To assess the experiences of people with hearing loss in healthcare environments to characterize miscommunication and unmet needs, and guide recommendations for improving outcomes and access. Methods: Anonymous survey developed by subject-matter experts was posted on a large national hearing-loss consumer and advocacy organization website and email listserv. Data were collected and managed via RedCAP. Results: Responses were received from 1581 individuals. Respondents reported moderate or significant difficulty communicating with all listed providers. Three communication situations emerged as often presenting communication difficulties: hearing one's name when called in the waiting room, hearing when the speaker's back was turned, and hearing when communicating by telephone. Despite 93% of respondents indicating they sometimes or often let providers know about their hearing loss, 29.3% of all respondents still reported that no arrangements were made to improve communication. Conclusions: This study clearly demonstrates the ongoing difficulties faced by individuals with hearing loss, particularly older adults, as they attempt to navigate both providers and situations associated with a typical primary care office visit. Clinical Implications: Inexpensive and efficient changes to improve communication include (1) Improving one-on-one provider communication by facing the individual with good lighting, clear speaking, and not obstructing one's mouth; (2) Environmental changes such as using visual or tactile alerting devices in waiting rooms and adding noise-dampening carpeting and curtains; and (3) Avoiding telephones and conveying health information in writing.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Stevens, MN; Dubno, JR; Wallhagen, MI; Tucci, DL

Published Date

  • 2019

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 42 / 5

Start / End Page

  • 485 - 494

PubMed ID

  • 29702039

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC8110317

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1545-2301

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1080/07317115.2018.1453908

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States