Management of hearing-impaired in-patients in an active treatment hospital.

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.