Download Hearing loss

Nursing Assistant Monthly
Hearing loss
Caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Caring for someone with hearing loss
Hearing loss can bring:
 A sense of isolation
 Loneliness
 Frustration
 Embarrassment
 Sadness
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Cognitive issues
An older person with hearing loss:
 May be misinterpreted as having dementia
 May eventually lose cognitive function due to lack of
interpersonal communication
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Types of hearing loss
 Conductive
– examples: ear wax buildup, narrowed ear canal from
many infections
 Sensorineural
– examples: presbycusis (hearing loss due to aging),
exposure to loud noises, stroke
 Mixed
– A combination of the above types
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
The CNA’s role
 Know which residents have hearing loss
– Assist with hearing aids
– Be aware of their needs for communication
– Follow communication tips (see later slide)
 Report signs of hearing loss
– Frequently asking that you repeat
– Failing to respond to questions
– Becoming socially isolated
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Communication tips
 Always face the person
– So they can see your lips and facial expression
 Position yourself at their level
– If the resident is in a wheelchair, try to squat down or sit in a nearby
chair
– If in bed, sit in a bedside chair
 Reduce noise in the environment
– Close window to reduce traffic noise
– Turn down TV/radio (with resident’s permission)
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Hearing devices
 Hearing aids
– In the outer ear
– Behind the ear (a molded portion fits in the ear)
– Inside the ear canal
 “Pocket Talker”®
– External device with amplifier and microphone
– May be wired or wireless
– Can be kept on hand for use by residents as needed
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Issues with hearing aids
 Can be difficult for an older person to insert correctly
 Batteries
– must be fresh
– are small and easily lost
 Can cause ringing sound if not correctly placed
 Tend to amplify background noise
 Some people are embarrassed to wear them
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.
Quality of life
Help residents with hearing loss maintain good quality of life
 Make an effort to communicate
 Try to engage the resident when in group settings
 Use communication tips to assist their understanding
 Make use of a Pocket Talker type device if your facility has one
 Remember how isolating deafness can be
“Blindness cuts us off from things, but deafness cuts us off from people.”
--Helen Keller
May 2013
Hearing loss-caregiver considerations
Copyright © 2013 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.