Failure to Implement Audiology Recommendations for Hearing Loss
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to implement audiology recommendations for a resident with a history of hearing loss, resulting in a lack of appropriate treatment for the resident's condition. The resident, who was cognitively intact and required assistance with personal care, had a care plan in place that included audiology consults and the use of assistive hearing devices. Despite a documented audiology consult in January 2025, which identified impacted cerumen in the left ear, a perforated tympanic membrane in the right ear, and issues with hearing aid function, the recommended follow-up actions were not carried out by the facility. The audiologist's recommendations included removal of earwax in the left ear, a medical consult for wax removal, and specific instructions for hearing aid maintenance and use. However, there was no evidence in the clinical record that these recommendations were reviewed or implemented by the provider or nursing staff. The consult form was not initialed as reviewed, and no new orders for wax removal were found in the resident's record. Staff interviews confirmed a lack of awareness regarding the resident's hearing aids and the audiologist's recommendations, and the hearing aids were found unused in the resident's room. Observations during the survey revealed that the resident continued to experience significant hearing difficulties, relied on a white board for communication, and was not using hearing aids. The resident reported ongoing issues with hearing, wax buildup, and lack of follow-up after the audiology appointment. Facility staff, including the unit manager and CNA, were unaware of the resident's hearing aid use and the need for follow-up care, further demonstrating the facility's failure to ensure the audiologist's recommendations were implemented.