If she knows what you're talking about, she can sometimes figure out what you're saying. She lip reads a little (not taught). Can usually understand if you speak clearly and louder within 2' of her "good" ear. When she can't figure it out, she gets frustrated and discouraged. I use the white board frequently, but guests, doctor, nurse, etc., seem reluctant to use it. She is alert and oriented, no dementia, some short term memory deficit which appeared simultaneously with beginning of supplemental oxygen use. Seems happy to read white board, sometimes write a response, sometimes speaks. Two things: How to get others to use the board. Are there any other adaptive aids or suggestions to improve communication?
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Are hearing aids not an option?
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Good job advocating for your mom!
One thing you could try that we did with my dad when he has a stroke and was in the hospital was post a sign outside his room that indicated he was very hard of hearing and needed to be spoken to loudly and slowly. It helped a bit.
You could ask that note be posted very clearly on any of her files, etc. And just keep reinforcing it. At the doc's office, I'll say, "Mom could you hear what the doctor just said?" And she'd say, "No." So don't be afraid to speak up and act as her advocate. As you can tell, this is a big sore point for me!