Patient Counseling and Rehabilitation Flashcards

A patient with bilateral hearing loss reports that their family frequently complains about the TV volume. Which counseling strategy best addresses this communication barrier?

Answer: Recommend a TV listening device and discuss volume compromise strategies

A TV listening device allows the patient to hear at their preferred volume while others listen at a normal level, directly resolving the conflict.

During aural rehabilitation, which activity specifically targets a patient's ability to use context clues to fill in missed speech sounds?

Answer: Speech tracking exercises

Speech tracking requires the patient to repeat connected discourse verbatim, forcing use of contextual and linguistic cues when sounds are missed.

What is the primary purpose of a hearing aid orientation (HAO) session?

Answer: To ensure the patient can manage and benefit from their new hearing aids

HAO sessions teach device care, insertion/removal, battery management, and realistic expectations to maximize successful hearing aid use.

A patient experiencing hearing aid feedback (whistling) when hugging family members should first be counseled to:

Answer: Cup their hand over the ear during hugs or remove the aid briefly

Feedback during close contact is normal; counseling the patient on simple behavioral strategies prevents unnecessary frustration.

Which of the following best describes 'informational counseling' in the context of hearing rehabilitation?

Answer: Providing factual education about audiograms, devices, and communication strategies

Informational counseling focuses on facts—degree of loss, device options, and practical strategies—as opposed to personal adjustment counseling.

A patient with moderate sensorineural hearing loss struggles in reverberant restaurant environments even with well-fitted hearing aids. The BEST supplemental recommendation is:

Answer: Use a remote microphone system worn by a dining companion

Remote microphone systems place the microphone near the talker, dramatically improving signal-to-noise ratio in noisy, reverberant spaces.

When counseling a patient who refuses to wear their hearing aids due to stigma, the hearing care professional should FIRST:

Answer: Explore the patient's specific concerns and provide factual perspective on modern hearing aid design

Addressing stigma requires understanding the patient's personal concerns before providing education about discreet modern devices and the social cost of untreated hearing loss.