Three quarters of people in aged care have some degree of hearing loss. Even a small loss can have a significant impact on quality of life however only a quarter of those who would benefit from hearing aids use them. Therefore it is essential aged care staff identify and assist clients to effectively manage their hearing loss.
The following course has been designed to give nurses and aged care staff the knowledge and skills to assist their clients in managing their hearing impairment.
The video was filmed in a residential aged care facility. However the comments made by the hearing impaired residents; the communication techniques recommended; and the hearing aid management skills demonstrated are applicable to adult hearing impaired clients generally
The course consists of three parts.
- Part A: Living with a hearing impairment and effective communication skills for staff
- Part B Section 1: Essential skills for managing hearing aids
- Part B Section 2: Further trouble shooting
Estimated time to complete the course: 45 mins - 1 hr
The Deafness Forum of Australia acknowledges the advice and generous assistance of Australian Hearing staff. The Deafness Forum is also grateful to the staff and residents of the IRT William Beach Gardens care facility; Mater Hospital, Sydney LinkAGE Program volunteers and others who participated in the project; and to Cochlear Ltd for funding production of the audio-visual.