By Mark Christian, Au.D. and Sheri Gostomelsky, Au.D. 

When a physician or other health care professional verbally provides information that is essential to a patient’s health and wellbeing, every word is valuable. A conversation about a new diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up can be stressful, though, and it may be difficult for the patient to comprehend and process all of the new information. 

Consider the same scenario when hearing loss and face masks are added to the equation. Muffled speech and missing cues from lip-reading pose added challenges to those of us with less than perfect hearing in doctor-patient conversations.

If you or a loved one has a hearing loss, it’s time to self-advocate. Keep in mind the following tips to improve critical communication with physicians or other health care professionals. 

In-Person Visits

1. Ask the provider to maintain good eye contact and face you at all times when conversing. When the speaker is facing you, verbal conversation is generally easier to understand. We rely on body posture and other subtle clues from body language, head, and eye movements.

2. If they are talking too fast, ask them to slow down, and if necessary, to speak a little louder. As we age, it is especially difficult to understand when someone speaks too rapidly. It takes the brain time to process what is heard. Slowing down the conversation can make it easier to understand what is being said.

3. If at all possible, bring a companion to your appointment. An extra set of ears can always help to remember information that is important. When we are overwhelmed with any new information, it can be difficult to process everything that is said. Having another person with you can help fill in some of the missing blanks.

4. Take notes. And if you have questions, write them down as you think of them. Doing this will ensure that all of your quandary concerns are immediately addressed. That way, you won't forget to ask what is important to you at that given time.

5. When you anticipate that it will be difficult to follow a conversation, be prepared to use a  transcription app, like AVA or Live Transcribe, on your smartphone. The conversation can be saved and read at a later time.

6. Bring an updated list of your current medications. In many instances, medication records have not been updated. A large percentage of emergency room visits are due to miscommunication with medications. Be sure to correct anything in your history that needs to be changed. Multiple providers may not communicate with each other.

7. Ask for a written summary after each visit. When you are more relaxed and at home, you can review the events that were discussed and start making your decisions. 

Telehealth Sessions

Telehealth sessions have become more prevalent during COVID-19. Fortunately, it’s quite convenient to receive services from the privacy of your own home, and it’s great to communicate without having to wear a mask. However, video technology can present new challenges for someone with hearing loss.

Here are a few tips to give you the best chance to hear during those remote sessions:

1. Try using a standard computer rather than your phone. There are more capabilities to enlarge the screen and get better visual cues on your computer. 

2. If you do not wear hearing aids, use headphones and connect them directly to the source. Any time you bring the sound closer to your ears you will have a better chance of catching all the words. If you wear hearing aids, maximize your experience by streaming the sound directly to the hearing aid wirelessly. This can be easily accomplished on today’s Apple or Android devices.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask your health care provider to look at the camera, not to cover their mouths, and speak towards the microphone. Establish your needs early and you’ll have a much easier conversation.

4. If you choose to use a mobile phone to communicate, add captions to your conversation. InnoCaption is a transcription app that will allow you to capture the conversation.

Take charge and advocate for yourself. Getting it right the first time will make for better outcomes with your health. We want you to understand every word.

Mark Christian, Au.D. and Sheri Gostomelsky, Au.D. are audiologists practicing at Audiology Associates of Deerfield, located in the Chicago metro area.