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Communicating with Hearing-Impaired Patients

By Ashlee Meriwether

Story Created: Oct 4, 2012

Story Updated: Oct 4, 2012

This week is designated International Week of the Deaf, to focus attention on the accomplishments and challenges facing deaf and hearing-impaired people. A potential health care issue for this population is overcoming a communication barrier with medical providers.

Mayo Clinic ENT expert Colin Driscoll, M.D., says, “There are many patients with significant amounts of hearing loss who really struggle to follow conversations but may not always admit it. Providers don’t often recognize it or are unwilling and unable to take the additional time needed to communicate more fully.”  Dr. Driscoll is available to discuss tips for hearing-impaired patients and physicians.

 

 

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