Peberdy S, Eastman L, Pichora-Fuller M K, Reesor P, Alberti P W
J Otolaryngol. 1984 Aug;13(4):221-6.
Hearing loss is the most prevalent chronic disability in North America today. The incidence of hearing loss in hospitalized patients is even greater than the incidence in the general population (7%). Hearing-impaired patients may be found in any ward of a hospital. Even mild hearing loss can result in communication difficulty that can increase patient anxiety, decrease speed and accuracy of diagnosis, and reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation. Three illustrative case studies and specific recommendations for improving the management of hearing-impaired patients are provided.
听力损失是当今北美最为普遍的慢性残疾。住院患者中的听力损失发生率甚至高于普通人群（7%）。医院的任何病房都可能有听力受损患者。即使是轻度听力损失也可能导致沟通困难，进而增加患者焦虑、降低诊断速度和准确性并降低康复效果。本文提供了三个说明性案例研究以及改善听力受损患者管理的具体建议。
