Abstract

Pandemic-mandated masks have resulted in communication challenges among hearing-impaired healthcare personnel who rely upon visual cues and lip-reading. This session provides an evidence-based approach for mitigating these issues among hearing-impaired colleagues and ensure a healthy work environment for staff and patients.

Detailed abstract attached.

Author Details

Ellen G. Soyombo, MSN, MBA, RN, CDE, AMB-BC1

Carla Braboy, BSN, RN, AMB-BC1

Kimberly S. Navarro, MSN, RN-BC1

Laryza Rodriguez, ADN, RN2

Jessica M. Smith, MSN, RN, OCN1

Rosario Tarriman Suico, MSN, RNC, ACM-RN, NPD-BC3

Kenn M. Kirksey, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, FAAN3

(1) Smith Clinic, Ambulatory Care Services, Harris Health System, Houston, TX, USA

(2) Gulfgate Clinic - Family Practice, Ambulatory Care Services, Harris Health System, Houston, TX, USA

(3) Center for Nursing Scholarship, Harris Health System, Houston, TX, USA

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Hearing-impaired Healthcare Workers, Mask Mandates, Visual Cues, Lip Reading

Conference Name

Creating Healthy Work Environments

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Austin, Texas, USA and Virtual

Conference Year

2023

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2025-10-17

Click on the above link to access the slide deck.

Additional Files

Abstract.pdf (158 kB)

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Creating a Healthy Work Environment During the COVID-19 Pandemic for Hearing-Impaired Healthcare Professionals

Austin, Texas, USA and Virtual

Pandemic-mandated masks have resulted in communication challenges among hearing-impaired healthcare personnel who rely upon visual cues and lip-reading. This session provides an evidence-based approach for mitigating these issues among hearing-impaired colleagues and ensure a healthy work environment for staff and patients.

Detailed abstract attached.