A complete functional ear and hearing assessment addresses each of the following as indicated by the patient’s condition and orders, and compares each finding to baseline.
Functional hearing — the ability to hear and respond to conversational voice, in each ear where assessable, with hearing aids as used.
Reported hearing change — new or sudden loss, muffling, or asymmetry, and its onset.
External ear and canal — the auricle and visible canal for deformity, swelling, drainage, or obvious cerumen, where inspection is within scope.
Otalgia — ear pain, its character, and any associated drainage or fever.
Tinnitus — new or changed ringing or noise and any associated symptoms.
Vertigo and dizziness — the type (spinning versus light-headedness), triggers, duration, and — critically — any associated neurologic signs that point to a central cause.
Balance and gait as affected by vestibular function (cross-reference Safety).
Hearing aids — fit, function, battery, and the patient’s ability to use and maintain them.
The communication impact of any hearing deficit on the care plan (cross-reference Communication).
Cerumen status where it impairs hearing or aid function, within scope and order.
