Hearing Loss and ER nurse

Specialties Emergency

Published

Hi all! I want to become an ER nurse. That's my dream! I'm applying to nursing school in August. My only concern is that I have hearing loss and hearing aids. I'm concerned about having to take out my hearing aids to listen to my stethoscope and then put them back in to hear the patient/my colleagues. Is there anyone on here who also has hearing loss and is an ER nurse, or knows someone who is? What ways have you found to help you cope? Please help. I don't want my hearing loss to keep me from my dream!

Thank you!

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Hey you can become anything you want!

Yes you can be a good nurse even if you have hearing loss!

if stethoscope is your only concern then look into this site they have special stethoscope for people with hearing loss

Cardionics EScope Amplified Stethoscopes for Hearing Impaired Deaf, Hearing Loss, Sign Language Products | HarrisCommunications

its little expensive but hey at least your following your dreams!

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Specializes in Emergency and Employee Health.

You absolutely can be a successful RN with hearing difficulty! We have a ED physician with severe, but not total hearing loss. He uses a special stethescope with amplified sound, to headphones. Even if you had to take out your hearing aids and put them back it, what ever works for you!!

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Specializes in none.

I have two hearing aides. The state of NJ paid for hearing aides and a special stereoscopic.It is very expensive but you can hook it up to a EKG below is the site where you can get the one like I have the Escope

COPE WITH SCOPES: Stethoscopes and Hearing Aids - What are the Options? Rebecca Morris, President, Effective Communication Solutions, Inc. AudiologyOnline

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Specializes in pediatrics, ED.

My best friend has a hearing deficiency and wears hearing aids she's an ER nurse. There are specialized molds that can be made for stethoscopes to accommodate hearing aids. She just slips hers out and pockets them prior to using her scope (she has small canals and has a HARD time getting hearing aids to fit let alone the molds to fit correctly)

I have another nurse with total hearing loss in one ear so she compensated with the other.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

I worked with a deaf paramedic. He had a special stethoscope and was one of the best. This will not slow you down. Press on, full speed ahead!

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Thank you all for your responses and support! You've really put my worries at ease.

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Specializes in Emergency.

I worked with an ER nurse who used hearing aides. I admit, there were some moments when giving report that she seemed unfocused- she couldnt hear my softer voice. But she is a really GOOD nurse. You got this!

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Specializes in none.

Doctors don't have hearing problems like the rest of us. They just don't listen.

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Specializes in None (as yet).
Hey you can become anything you want!

Yes you can be a good nurse even if you have hearing loss!

if stethoscope is your only concern then look into this site they have special stethoscope for people with hearing loss

Cardionics EScope Amplified Stethoscopes for Hearing Impaired Deaf, Hearing Loss, Sign Language Products | HarrisCommunications

its little expensive but hey at least your following your dreams!

I use it...works great...I have profound deafness in both ear

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Hey everyone! I have a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) in my right ear. I'm in nursing school and work in the ER as an admit clerk/ER tech on nights. If I cant hear something, I just ask them to speak up! If there is a will, there is a way! Don't give up.

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