Hearing Loss Care for Nurses in California: Technology and Gene Therapy

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Hearing loss is common across care settings, and nurses play a key role in improving communication and patient outcomes. New advances in hearing technology and emerging gene therapy are expanding care options.

Modern hearing aids come with very sophisticated programming and options that allow even those with severe hearing loss can hear in most environments. However, many not persist in getting that programming optimized. Helping those in your life, to be optimistic and continue to ask audiologist for changes is important.

In addition, when in certain environments, especially if the person is moving about while talking, extra accessories like a “partner mic” or Meta Glasses or Iphone live listen gives the patient ability to hear better, since all the noise is eliminated and focus is on speech. Stand alone no tech knowledge needed, assistive listening devices are available like the Williams Sound: Pocket Talker can make communication clear and easier. The key is to be open to whatever technology is available, helping patient feel comfortable with its use.

New research emphathizes that early access to care remains critical. A recent study compared children who received cochlear implants, early gene therapy, or no medical intervention. Children who received implants or gene therapy showed similar early developmental outcomes, while those without medical intervention showed more variability—even with appropriate educational support. This treatment progress is exciting, especially as they are predicting that this treatment will have FDA approval soon. Even for those late deafened, or progressive genetic causes, seem to get better results if cochlear implants are done sooner.

What this means for nurses in California:

  • Identify signs of hearing difficulty (withdrawal, missed responses, speaking over others)

  • Support early referrals to audiology and hearing specialists

  • Stay aware of evolving technologies and treatment options

As options expand, patient-centered communication and early support remain essential to quality care.

Use adaptive communication strategies:

  • Face the patient

  • Incorporate visual aids or written communication wherever possible

  • Reduce background noise

  • Rephrase with different words to allow for recognition

  • Ask open ended questions to assess understanding

Continuing the Mission of Access and Understanding

Adaptability for Life’s cultural competence - ethics continuing education courses provide engaging and practical skills in supporting their clients with vision and/or hearing loss.

Approvals & Accreditations:

  • OHA - Oregon Health Authority - Cultural Competence CE

  • NASW-OR National Association of Social Workers - Oregon Cultural Competence CE

  • CRCC - Commission on Rehabilitation Counselors Certification - Ethics CE

  • Approved by the California Nursing Board, Provider CEP#18080 for 6 contact hours of geriatric-related continuing education for Nurse Practitioners

Who these courses are helpful for: 

Nurses, Psychologist, LCSW, LFMT, PT, OT, SLP, ND, NP, PA, MD, DDS, LPC, Chiropractor, License Professional Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, Dentist, Dental Technologist, Dietitian, Emergency Medical Service Provider, Home Care Worker, Lactation Consultant, Long Term Care Administrator, Massage Therapist, Medical Imager, Midwife, Naturopathic Doctor, Occupational Therapist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Polysomnographic Technologist/Respiratory Therapist, Social Workers, Caregivers and Families.

  • 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 others working with individuals navigating sensory loss and disability. Her courses are designed to be interactive and helpful, and will help you gain skills valuable to 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