title: Protocol for detection and follow-up of hearing loss.
abstract: Hearing loss in one individual affects the lives of those who live and work with the person with the loss. Both the individual with the defined loss and the family must find adaptive methods of communicating. This article presents a protocol to be used by the advanced practice nurse in the assessment, intervention, and referral of patients suspected of having a hearing loss. It includes the family and social network as having an important role in this process. The year 2000 projected health objectives for the nation include health promotion goals to reduce significant hearing impairments. Research-based studies have identified the impact of hearing loss on the individual and the family. Intervention strategies and outcome measurements, therefore, must support a standardized protocol that focuses on hearing loss in the individual and promotes health in the family and social network.
authors.affiliation: Senator G. Hagedorn Gero-Psychiatric Hospital, Glen Gardner, New Jersey, USA.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shaw
mesh_terms: D000359:Aftercare; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006320:Hearing Tests; D006801:Humans; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation