Failure to Provide Recommended Hearing Aid to Resident with Hearing Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to ensure that a resident with sensorineural hearing loss received a recommended hearing aid, as identified through observations, interviews, and record reviews. The resident, who was admitted with left ear hearing loss and had a care plan noting impaired communication, underwent an audiological evaluation that confirmed significant hearing impairment and recommended a hearing aid. Although consent for audiology services was obtained and the process to acquire a hearing aid was initiated, there was no documented follow-up by the facility to confirm the order or ensure the device was received. The resident remained without a hearing aid, continued to experience hearing difficulties, and expressed a desire to see someone about his hearing. Interviews revealed that the facility's staff believed the audiology office would contact them once the hearing aid arrived, but no further contact was made after the initial appointment. The unit manager later discovered that the hearing aid had not been ordered as previously thought, and no additional follow-up occurred. The resident's legal guardian indicated willingness to purchase the hearing aid if needed but noted that the facility did not pursue the audiologist's recommendations. Facility policy required staff to assist residents with appointments and follow-up care, but this was not carried out for this resident.