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In the recovery room, for a consultation with medical
personnel, and for detailed instructions before leaving
hospital, it is essential that the deaf patient be able to
communicate freely. Having an interpreter will help
relieve the patient's anxiety and feelings of stress, as well
as prevent mistakes in comprehension.
For day to day routine communication, keep a clip-
board, paper, and pen by the bed. Notes should be in
simple language and clearly written (some deaf people
have limited English language skills).
Sometimes hearing impaired people nod as if they
understand what you are saying merely to be agreeable. If
you feel this may be the case, ask them to repeat your
instructions.

ROUTINE CARE
The nurse who is responsible for the hearing impaired
patient will have the most contact with him and must
establish good lines of communication. The hearing
impaired patient may need more emotional support than
other patients, and more explanations. If a different
doctor comes to see the patient, or a change is made in his
routine, an explanation should be given.
Here are a few pointers:
Don't do anything unexpected from behind.
Dont leave him in complete darkness; leave a light on.
Don't restrict the deaf patient's hands; never use an IV in
both arms at once.
Do tap the mattress to get the patient's attention if his
back is turned.
Do find out if he is right or left-handed before inserting
an IV.
Do leave the hearing aid within easy reach.

THE HEARING IMPAIRED
CHILD IN HOSPITAL
Enlist the help of the child's parents. They know their
child and how best to communicate with him. In certain
cases having the mother room in to help with hospital
care removes difficulties.
If mother can't stay, suggest that she leave something
(such as a scarf) to indicate that she will return. Give the

Remember, a person whose hearing is limited depends
greatly on information he sees. For people with no
hearing, communication must be visible.

2. If the patient has a hearing aid, make sure it is on,
and adjusted properly. If he has glasses, be sure he is
wearing them.

3. Look directly at the patient while speaking. Eye
contact helps communication.

4. Make sure you have the patient's attention before
speaking.

5. Speak clearly and a little more slowly than usual, and
in full sentences; do not exaggerate lip movements, and
do not shout.

6. If not understood, rephrase your question.

7. Don't stand in front of a bright light or a window.
Make sure the light shines on your face.
8. Turn off background noise (radio, TV), or move away

from the source of noise (open window, air conditioner).

9. Pantomime, gestures and facial expression help
communication. Use them all.

10. If the primary mode of communication is sign
language, written messages may suffice for simple
communication, but for important matters a professional
sign language interpreter should be contacted.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Medically, there is no difference between the treatment
for a hearing impaired person or for a hearing person in
an emergency. However, deafness poses special challenges
to the individual providing emergency care. Quick
recognition of the fact that the victim is deaf or hard of
hearing is important if you are to provide adequate and
appropriate care.
If the patient is deaf, he may have unintelligible or
imperfect speech which may lead to an incorrect diagnosis
of mental retardation or drunkenness.