Can Your Patients Hear You?

More than 50 million Americans, or one in seven, experience some type of hearing loss. Men are at the highest risk; they are twice as likely as women to have a hearing impairment.¹ Older adults are the most affected with more than 65% of United States individuals older than 71 living with a hearing deficit.²

Hearing loss can significantly impact quality of life. Those affected often experience social isolation when they can’t keep up with conversations. Family relationships can become strained as those with hearing loss struggle to be understood and those without may be become frustrated at the communication challenges. Depression and anxiety are common among those with hearing impairments.³

Patients with hearing loss entering the dental office may be apprehensive and nervous, especially if more care is required than a simple prophylaxis. My 84-year-old father has profound hearing loss after helping to build the highway system across the Colorado plains as a young man and then a long career spent as a data processing manager among rooms full of constantly droning servers. He recently presented to his dentist with a need for extensive dental procedures. The appointment did not go well as the dentist was short tempered with my dad who struggled to understand his explanation of the treatment plan.

This type of negative experience is not necessary and oral health professionals who are prepared and sensitive to patients with hearing loss can make all the difference. Here are a few tips:⁴

1. Always face the patient when speaking
2. Speak slowly
3. Use a low pitch (never yell)
4. Ask the patient to repeat your instructions back to you to ensure he or she heard you
5. Provide all important information in writing
6. Be patient
7. Many individuals with hearing loss do not have cognitive deficits, so avoid oversimplifying or talking down to them

The number of Americans with hearing loss is only expected to grow as the population of those aged 65 and older continues to increase. My dad visited a new dentist who was well prepared to treat a patient with hearing loss as was her dental team. He is ready to begin treatment with confidence, helping to maintain his oral health and overall well-being. With some education and patience, oral health professionals can ensure dental appointments are a success for those patients with hearing impairments.

References

1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, and Dizziness.
2. Reel NS, Garcia-Morales EE, Myers C, et al. Prevalence of hearing loss and hearing aid use among US Medicare beneficiaries aged 71 years and older. JAMA Network Open. 2023;6:e2326320.
3. Henderson N, Hodgson S, Mulhern B, Page K, Sampson C. A qualitative systematic review of the impact of hearing on quality of life. Qual Life Res. 2025;34:879-892.
4. Erdman K. Caring for patients with hearing impairment. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene.