Introduction

In the UK, more than 10 million people suffer form some form of hearing loss (Action On Hearing Loss, 2011). As healthcare professionals we regularly encounter patients with communication difficulties, however, are we aware of how to provide care for these individuals in a manner which promotes independence, dignity, safety and respect?

This RLO was developed following a group workshop attended by student nurses and service users with hearing loss. It aims to:

• Improve understanding of the challenges encountered by patients with hearing loss
• Recognise how good communication with patients with hearing loss has a significant impact upon their experience of care
• Support the reader to provide high quality patient care and communication
• Inspire the reader to find out more about hearing loss!