Effective Communication with Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Effective communication in health care settings is critical. For those persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, choosing the most effective means of communication is particularly important.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing use a variety of means to communicate. Individuals may rely upon sign language/oral interpreters and/or assistive devices. Many can speak even though they cannot hear. The method of communication and the aids and services that the hospital provides will depend upon the person’s preference, abilities and the complexity of the communications involved. It is the policy of Inova Fairfax Hospital to determine the most effective means of communicating with a patient, relative, close friend or companion who is deaf or hard of hearing and to provide auxiliary aids and services to facilitate communication as soon as possible at no cost to the individual. The determination of which auxiliary aids and services are needed is made in collaboration with the patient, relative, close friend or companion who is deaf or hard of hearing.
Inova Fairfax Hospital has appropriate auxiliary aids and services to facilitate communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These services include sign language/oral interpreters, on-demand video conferencing with an interpreter, telecommunication typewriters (TTYs), pocketalkers, hearing-aid compatible phones with volume control, television services for hearing impaired, auditory listening materials, visual telemike nurse call systems, and the Virginia Relay Service. The patient, relative, close friend or companion who is deaf or hard of hearing will be informed of the available auxiliary aids and services and that they are provided free of charge.
It is the responsibility of the health care provider to ensure that such aids and services are provided when appropriate. If you have questions, call Patient Relations at 703-776-3663 during daytime working hours or the Administrative Director at all other times at 703-776-6836.
