Failure to Implement and Document Hearing Aid Use for Resident with Hearing Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow up and implement appropriate treatment for a resident with documented hearing loss. The resident was identified as having highly impaired hearing and a diagnosis of unspecified sensorineural hearing loss, with care plans indicating the use of a pocket talker but omitting any mention of hearing aids. Despite a physician's note stating the resident wore hearing aids, multiple assessments and care documents, including the treatment administration record and care sheets used by nursing assistants, did not reflect the use or management of hearing aids. The resident repeatedly expressed difficulty hearing and a desire for assistance with hearing aids, but was observed without them, and staff interviews confirmed that care documentation was not updated to include hearing aids or their management. Further review revealed inconsistencies and lack of communication among staff regarding the resident's use of hearing aids. Nursing assistants and the activities director noted the resident had hearing aids available but had not worn them regularly, and only after new batteries were provided did the resident begin to use them again. The registered nurse responsible for the resident's hearing assessment confirmed moderate hearing difficulty but did not find hearing aids in use at the time and noted a previous refusal for a referral for hearing aids. The facility's medication and treatment policy did not specifically address adaptive devices such as hearing aids, contributing to the lack of consistent follow-up and documentation.