9. Patient and caregiver teaching

• Hearing-aid use — insertion, removal, cleaning, battery care, and troubleshooting — with return demonstration.
• The warning signs of sudden hearing loss and that it is time-sensitive and treatable if addressed early.
• The difference between benign positional vertigo and the central warning signs that require emergency care.
• Ear-care precautions and when ear pain or drainage requires evaluation.
• Fall-prevention strategies when vertigo or imbalance is present (cross-reference Safety).
• When to call the agency versus when to activate EMS or seek urgent care.