Tips for Better Communication with Patients Experiencing Hearing and Vision Loss

/ Adaptability for Life LLC /

Tips for Better Communication with Patients Experiencing Hearing and Vision Loss

As nurses, we know that effective communication is at the heart of good patient care. Yet, when a patient has hearing and/or vision loss, conversations can become frustrating—for both you and the patient. You may find yourself repeating instructions, raising your voice, or feeling unsure of how to get your message across.

The truth is, it’s not about working harder—it’s about working smarter. With the right tools and strategies, you can reduce misunderstandings, increase patient safety, and strengthen the nurse–patient connection.

Why It Matters

Healing isn’t just about medications and procedures. Patients feel more supported, motivated, and confident in following their care plan when they can clearly understand the information you provide. For individuals with sensory loss, simple adjustments in communication can make a profound difference.

Practical Tips You Can Use Right Away

Here are some strategies that go beyond “speaking louder”:

  • Lower your pitch instead of raising your volume. High-pitched tones are often harder to hear.

  • Position yourself closer. Reduces the signal to noise ratio- allows soft consonants like s, t, p, c.

  • Consider lighting and facial coverings to allow for lip-reading or facial cues. Clear visibility supports comprehension.

  • Orient patients to their environment. When entering a new hospital or clinic room, guide them through the layout (where the chair, bed, bathroom, and call light are). This reduces stress and increases safety.

  • Make medication instructions accessible. Ask patient what works for them: Audio and tactile options are numerous, including rubber bands, bump dots, and smart phone apps.

  • Leverage free technology. Tools like the Be My Eyes AI app or ScriptTalk (a text-to-speech medication label system) empower patients to manage their care more independently.

Continuing the Mission of Access and Understanding

Adaptability for Life’s cultural competence - ethics continuing education courses focus on helping nurses, psychologists, dentists, doctors, chiropractors, therapists, counselors, social workers, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals and families better serve individuals with vision or hearing loss, blindness, deafness and combinations of sensor loss through culturally competent, practical, and engaging continuing education. These are approved by Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification.

For those seeking to enhance their skills in communicating with those who have vision or hearing loss, consider enrolling.

2-Hour Cultural Competence CE: Effective Communication with Clients Who Are Hard of Hearing
4-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Understanding the Diversity of Legal Blindness, Impacts & Solutions
6-Hour Cultural Competence and Ethics CE: Providing Culturally Competent Healthcare for Those Aging with Dual Sensory Impairments

Each course blends over 25 years of experience in rehabilitation counseling and disability services with lived insight and real-world examples. You’ll walk away with tools that help prevent social isolation, improve connection and communication, and foster hope—even in the face of progressive sensory loss.

What You’ll Gain

  • Strategies to prevent social isolation and despair

  • Tools to support clients experiencing progressive loss

  • Skills to improve communication and connection

  • Easy, low- or no-cost accessibility techniques

  • Real-world examples you can apply immediately

About the Instructor

Deb Marinos, MS, CRC, LPC, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Oregon Licensed Professional Counselor, and CMBM Mind-Body Skills Group Facilitator. She brings decades of teaching experience with health care professionals and other working with individuals navigating sensory loss and disability. Her courses are designed to be interactive, helpful, and will give you more comfort in your work.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to strengthen your skills, deepen your empathy, and make your practice more inclusive—join Deb and Olaf on this journey.

👉 Explore the Cultural Competence & Ethics accredited continuing education courses and sign up today at Adaptability for Life


Adaptability for Life LLC
21887 SW Sherwood Blvd. STE C
Sherwood, OR 97140
deb@adaptabilityforlife.com