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More SuperEar Devices Deployed with Hospice of the Northwest Clinicians
Posted on January 29th, 2021
Each clinician now has their own set of SuperEars to assist with patient and family communication.
In late 2019, donors funded the purchase of several SuperEar sound amplifiers. These devices were deployed by several clinicians and volunteers as a trial to see if they could improve communication with patients who have hearing difficulties. After several months, clinicians at HNW requested 10 more units, and once again donors provided more.
HNW Social Workers Katie and Jonathan demonstrate how SuperEars are used!
Soon, HNW clinicians discovered that these personal sound amplifiers effectively increase sound for people who have difficulty hearing, but are not utilizing hearing aids, and could dramatically improve a patient’s ability to communicate as well as decrease their feelings of isolation and anxiety. By late 2020, every clinician had a set of SuperEars as part of their standard patient care kit.
The utilization of these devices has made an important impact to HNW patients, clinicians, and volunteers, moreover patient quality of life has dramatically improved. Initially a donor funded program, this equipment has now become standard issue at HNW.
“Having the equipment on hand to allow patients the opportunity for greater understanding and interaction through spoken language is a gift that leaves me, well, speechless,” said Volunteer Manager Erin Long. “We are grateful to donors.”
About Hospice of the Northwest
We are a skilled, caring, and compassionate team of doctors, nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, aides, volunteers and generous community donors.
Together we provide patient-centered care for people facing serious illness. We’ve been serving the residents of Island, San Juan, Skagit and Snohomish Counties since 1989 and want to know how we can support you or your loved one.