How to Navigate Healthcare Appointments with Hearing Loss

Preparing for the Appointment

The more you prepare for an appointment, the more likely you will visit your healthcare provider successfully. There are a few steps you can take beforehand:

Ask for Accommodations

Due to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), patients have the right to request reasonable accommodations for communication access. Some accommodations you can request include ASL interpreters, CART services, a patient advocate, or written notes. Try to make these requests well in advance so the office has time to fulfill them. 

Write a List

Our memories can be less than reliable at the best of times. Bringing a list of topics you would like to discuss is a good idea. Also include a list of medications you are taking, especially if they are difficult to spell or pronounce. 

For new patients, bringing summaries from other medical visits can be helpful for establishing your medical history. Your doctor may also request specific information beforehand, so read any pre-visit instructions carefully and prepare accordingly. If you anticipate a complex appointment, consider requesting a Certified Deaf Interpreter in advance.

Bring an Advocate

Bringing a family member or friend can help make the appointment more successful. A good advocate will help ask questions you didn’t think of or remind you of topics you wish to discuss. In addition, if you’re struggling with a lack of access or accommodations, an advocate will be a source of support in your request for accommodations. 

Communication Strategies  

Understanding Medical Jargon

Medical appointments often involve complex jargon that needs to be explained to the average person. If any terms are unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or further explanation. Asking for notes or drawings may also be beneficial to understanding.

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Being Proactive

Asking insightful questions will help ensure you obtain the information you need. Ask about what to expect, pain management options, how to prevent certain outcomes or necessary aftercare steps. Arriving early allows you to meet with the interpreter before and review any information or preferred signs used 

Leveraging Technology  

There are technological innovations that can aid in your healthcare: 

Nagish Live Transcribe

Within the Nagish app, our free Live Transcribe feature can caption any audio in real-time, with unlimited time. In addition, you can customize the font, text size, and connect to your Bluetooth hearing aid or cochlear implant. All transcripts are saved for later review, serving as reminders. 

Telehealth Appointments

Since COVID-19, telehealth has increased in popularity. It is now possible to meet with a medical provider virtually and even obtain prescriptions. For some deaf and hard of hearing patients, telehealth may be more accessible since you can access live captioning, text chat, and utilize virtual ASl interpreters. 

Post Appointments

When the appointment is over, what steps can you take to ensure you understand aftercare and future follow-up appointments?

Written Summaries

Always request written summaries of your visits upon completion. This provides an overview of what occurred and helps ensure everything was noticed. If a follow-up appointment is scheduled, also ask for the date and time in writing. 

Discharge Instructions

If you underwent a procedure or operation, request written discharge instructions. That way, you can ensure you have clear information on medication dosages, emergency contact numbers, and signs of infection. Having instructions in writing reduces the risk of misunderstanding. 

Patient Portals

Many healthcare providers are now using online technology to communicate with patients. Take advantage of your patient portals if your provider uses one. You can email your doctor directly, see dates of upcoming appointments, and review your healthcare records online. 

Summary

Attending healthcare appointments can be intimidating, but with thorough preparation, you can navigate them more easily. Bring a list of your concerns and medications, have an advocate with you if you want to, request accommodations, utilize technology to your advantage, and get any instructions you need in writing. The more strategies you use, the more successful your visit is likely to be!