"Effective Communication with Hearing-Impaired Patients"

Published: 04.04.2022 v tipy pre opatrovateľky

As a caregiver, it is difficult to imagine providing care for a sick person without quality and effective communication between the patient and the caregiver. Proper communication is very important. Information provided by the patient, their needs, concerns, must be understood and correctly interpreted by the caregiver. Similarly, the information provided by the caregiver should be received and understood by the patient. But how do you communicate with a patient who cannot hear or has difficulty speaking?

Methods of Communication

Communication is divided into verbal and non-verbal. The medium of verbal communication is spoken or written words. Verbal communication is often subconsciously supported by non-verbal communication: gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Non-verbal communication, although it does not express words, also conveys information. Sometimes, just looking at someone is enough to know if they are angry, happy, or sad. Facial expressions can reveal many other emotional states: fear, suffering, anger, or rage. In interpersonal communication, non-verbal signals often have a greater impact than spoken words.

 

Methods of Communication with Deaf or Hard of Hearing Patients

Patients who are deaf from birth use sign language. Ideally, such a patient is cared for by a caregiver who speaks sign language. In the majority of adult patients with hearing impairments, hearing loss occurs relatively late, and their hearing systematically deteriorates with age. These patients usually do not know how to use sign language, so they typically communicate in written form. Before starting a conversation with a deaf person, you must somehow indicate that you want to speak. For example, you can wave your hand so that they see you. However, never approach the patient from behind to avoid startling them. For the patient to read words from your lip movements, speak slowly and clearly. Sentences should be short. Avoid difficult words. If the patient has trouble understanding a particular sentence or word, patiently repeat it. If they still do not understand, write the sentence on paper in large block letters. It is practical to have a chalkboard or a whiteboard and marker handy. After reading the words, you can erase them. Always ensure that the patient understood you during communication, for example, by agreeing that they will nod their head after acknowledging.

 

 

When communicating with deaf patients and patients with speech disorders, it is important to consider that understanding the information requires a lot of attention and concentration. During the conversation, always patiently wait for the patient's response. Do not pressure them to respond or answer for them. Communication must lead to mutual understanding, and the caregiver's role is to show understanding and respect towards the patient.