Let’s face it, hearing loss is a natural part of life—some people are born with a loss and others acquire it. In addition, hearing loss is one of the issues many older people face—nurses are no different. So, it may not be long before you or a nurse you work with will need support.
Hearing loss doesn’t have to be the end of a career in nursing or an end to aspirations of becoming a nurse. Increasing numbers of nursing students with hearing loss are being admitted to nursing programs. They are graduating and practicing in a variety of health care settings.
Resources are available for nurses and nursing students with hearing loss along with technology and assistive devices.
Where can nurses turn?
The Association of Medical Professionals with Hearing Losses provides a wealth of information about amplified and electronic stethoscopes, as well as information for nurses who have had a cochlear implant. www.amphl.org
ExceptionalNurse.com provides links to organizations, equipment, technology and nurse/mentors with hearing loss. www.ExceptionalNurse.com
Anne Greenwald, RN, Surgical Nurse at Bend Surgery Center. She works in Oregon and serves as a mentor with ExceptionalNurse.com. She is profoundly deaf.
Photo courtesy: www.ExceptionalNurse.com
What technology is available?
A wide range of stethoscopes are available for nurses with hearing loss. Consultation with an audiologist should be part of the process - to ensure that the stethoscope is appropriate.
· A pressure sensitive stethoscope called the UltraScope is available www.ultrascopes.com as well as an electronic “E-Scope”. www.cardionics.com
· Pocket talkers can help to facilitate conversations in one-on-one situations.
· Amplified telephones and captioned telephones are available for use at home or in health care settings.
· Assistive listening devices are available to facilitate communication in classroom situations.
What can all nurses do?
Nurses are often afraid to disclose a hearing loss. They fear discrimination, embarrassment and potential loss of employment.
We can all play a part in promoting healthy hearing and effective communication.
- Think about your own hearing and recognize that hearing loss may be part of your life. If indicated, get the help you need— serve as a role model for others.
- Do your part to facilitate a workplace that encourages disclosure and acceptance of staff that have a hearing loss.
- Take a sign language class.
- Share hearing related resources with patients and staff.
- Invite a speaker from your local Deaf Service Center to provide an in-service to a group of nurses.
- Consider starting a “Say What” club where nurses and staff with hearing loss can exchange ideas.
- Share your personal experience with hearing loss or your experience working with a colleague who has a hearing loss.
How do you think we could do a better job supporting nurses with hearing loss? Please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts!
About the Author: Donna Maheady, Ed.D., ARNP is a pediatric nurse practitioner and nursing care consultant. She is a strong advocate for inclusion of nurses with disabilities in nursing practice, and has taught nursing for over 20 years and worked with nursing students with a wide range of disabilities. Donna is the founder of www.ExceptionalNurse.com, a nonprofit resource network for nurses and nursing students with disabilities.
Click here to read more on Donna Maheady.