PP104 - Equipping CNAs for Effective Hearing Aid and Communication Support: Audiologist-Led Education

Abstract:
This poster presentation aims to emphasize the need for additional education and training for certified nursing assistants (CNA) and other nursing staff in hearing health, hearing aid support, and effective communication strategies. In addition, there is a need for systematic changes in facility protocols to promote healthy hearing and assistive device use. Within the caregiving team, CNAs spend a large amount of time with residents and therefore play an essential role in implementing hearing aids, monitoring general health, and best supporting the individual's needs.

Summary:
This project was developed to address gaps in hearing healthcare knowledge among Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students, aiming to improve care for residents in long-term care facilities. The primary goal was to provide CNA students with an overview of  hearing loss, hearing aid management, communication strategies, and hearing health red flags. The high prevalence of hearing impairment among nursing home residents, in addition to dexterity and cognitive decline highlights the importance of this initiative, especially because many care providers receive limited training on hearing aids and hearing loss. Additionally, given the high staff turnover rates in nursing homes, equipping CNA students with this knowledge early in their careers could have long-term benefits, as they are often the frontline caregivers interacting most frequently with residents.

The project’s design involved in-person presentations at multiple Kirkwood Community College locations. The instructional level was introductory, designed for CNA students with little or no prior exposure to hearing healthcare. The training covered basic concepts and hands-on skills that are essential for their role in supporting residents with hearing loss in long-term care facilities. Each presentation combined auditory-verbal instruction with hands-on practice. This allowed students to engage with the material on both a theoretical and practical level. The training included interactive discussions and case study examples to simulate real-life scenarios they may encounter in long-term care facilities.

Results were gathered through post-presentation surveys. Students were asked to reflect on their knowledge of hearing healthcare both before and after the session, and to describe how they would apply this information in practice. The feedback was positive, with students reporting an increase in confidence in their ability to assist residents with hearing aids and communication effectively. This data supports the efficacy of integrating hearing healthcare education into CNA training programs and highlights its potential for improving the quality of hearing healthcare and quality of life in long-term care settings.