pdf Archives - Center for Hearing Access

HLAA provider guide-screenshot of cover page

For Providers-Guide for Effective Communication in Health Care (HLAA)

(19 pages) This Guide will help health care providers establish and maintain best practices in ensuring effective communication for hard of hearing and deaf patients, families, and caregivers. Hospital administrators, risk managers, and chief regulatory officers of hospitals, health care facilities, and private practices, and all members of the health care team should read this […]

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HLAA patient guide-thumbnail of cover page

For Patients-Guide for Effective Communication in Health Care (HLAA)

(16 pages) It is important for your health and well-being that you communicate clearly with your doctors and staff. Asking questions can avoid mistakes and misunderstandings and help you to get the safest and best care possible. The more you understand about your own health, the better decisions you and your health care team can

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Accessible Black Box Performance for Hard of Hearing? Well Almost…

(November 2025) We, as two hard of hearing patrons, recently went to a black box theater performance. Everything possible was checked ahead of time.

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CAP (Communication Access Plan) Form and Instructions (fillable)

(1 page) A Communication Access Plan (CAP) lets your doctors and health care team know about your hearing status and the communication aids and services you need. Why Is the CAP Important? Communicating clearly with your healthcare team helps you receive the best and safest care possible. When you are part of and understand all

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Loop Your Life (portable service counter hearing loops)

(3 pages) A small, portable, personal loop can help a person hear better at work, at play, in the car, at a doctor’s appointment, in a store, at the museum, on an airplane, at the lawyer’s office, with the grandkids, in a socially distanced outdoor book club, on Zoom, etc., – and right THROUGH today’s

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Sound Advice-Overview and General Procedures

Because hearing loss is both so individual and complex, we have found that repetition of basic information is critical for a deeper and fuller understanding of how to navigate the diverse challenges in daily life. We have also found that tremendous support and insight occur between peers who are experiencing similar challenges. So the idea

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Sound Advice-Curriculum Outline

The curriculum outline for Sound Advice. Following self-introductions, each session addresses 1) the need for assistive listening in addition to one’s own hearing instruments and 2) ADA rights to effective communication in public spaces. We then cover how hearing loop technology works and the role of a person’s telecoil to access any of the three

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screenshot of first page, A-Z hearing loss resources

Hearing Loss A-Z guide

(59 pages, pdf) A terrific resource for all things hearing loss. Yes, it’s alphabetical, but it’s also searchable, clickable, linkable, and just plain easy to use. Got a quick question? Need a hearing loss term defined? Looking for very specific information — or heck, even general information? This Hearing Loss A-Z guide is a terrific

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HIPAA and Service Counter Hearing Loops

(1 page) Using a counter hearing loop at check-in, pharmacy counters, and other public settings does not violate HIPAA. In fact, it helps providers meet their obligations under both the ADA and HIPAA by improving communication access while maintaining patient privacy. (Sometimes people misspell HIPAA as HIPPA)

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Telecoil Instructions

Telecoil instructions (1 page) to take to your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist to add a “telecoil program” For clear sounds with minimal background noise, switch your hearing aids or cochlear implants into the telecoil program. A telecoil is an inexpensive, small, yet powerful technology that provides clarity for people with hearing loss when they

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