Screening questions
Explain to the person that you will ask some questions. Their answers will help you work together to make a plan.
Involve family members or caregivers when appropriate.
Hearing assistive products
Instruction
Ask: Do you currently use a hearing assistive product that was provided through a hearing service?
If the person already uses a hearing assistive product, complete an ear health screen. Then:
- Note what type of hearing assistive product they are using
- Check if they are experiencing problems with their product.
If the person has problems with their current hearing assistive product, with their permission, refer the person back to the service where they received the product.
Question
Meet Kaleisha
Kaleisha is 79 years old and is visiting her family. She has a hearing aid but is having problems when using it.
Kaleisha stopped wearing her hearing aid and is having trouble hearing. She finds it difficult joining in with family conversations.
Kaleisha visits the health centre. The health worker completes an ear health screen. Her ears are healthy.
What action would you recommend next?
Select one.
If you selected b, you are correct!
It is important to refer Kaleisha back to the service which provided the hearing aid if possible. The service can adjust the hearing aid and provide spare parts if needed.
Spoken language
Instruction
Ask: Do you have difficulty using speech to communicate?
Some adults and children have difficulty using speech to communicate.
A person who does not use speech as their usual way to communicate has more complex needs. Refer to an ear and hearing professional.
Instruction
Learn more about people who experience communication difficulties in the TAP Communication assistive products module.
Sudden changes in hearing
Instruction
Ask: In the last 3 months have you had sudden changes in hearing?
A person usually experiences hearing loss gradually over time.
Warning
If a person experiences sudden changes in hearing in a short space of time (last three months), it could signal a serious health problem. Refer to an ear and hearing professional immediately.
Repeated discharge from the ear/s
Instruction
Ask: Does discharge (fluid) often come out of your ear/s?
If a person often experiences discharge coming out of their ears, it may be a sign of repeated ear infections.
Discharge may be an unusual colour. It may also smell.
Recurring ear infections can damage the person’s ear and hearing. With their permission refer to ear and hearing professional for assessment.
Remember Garret?
Garret is 9 years old and lives in a fishing village. He likes to dive under water with his friends. Garret experienced a painful ear with discharge leaking from his ear several times.
Question
Should a person who experiences repeated ear infections be referred to an ear and hearing professional?
Select one.
Yes is correct!
A person with repeated ear infections and discharge should be referred to an ear and hearing professional.
Discussion
Which ear and hearing professionals are available locally for you to refer to?
Do you know how to refer a person to these services?