(Photo: Dylann Hendricks)
A hearing-assistance program tested at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System helped Veterans better communicate with doctors and nurses during emergency room visits.
Researchers introduced personal voice amplification devices for Veterans who had difficulty hearing in the emergency department. The devices amplify a provider’s voice, making conversations easier to understand in an environment filled with alarms, medical equipment, conversations, and other background noise.
The program began with a six-month pilot from April through October 2024. The VA later expanded it across the emergency department from November 2024 through June 2025 to see whether the devices could be used as part of routine care. During the expanded program, staff identified 347 emergency department visits involving Veterans who were deaf or hard of hearing. The figure represents visits rather than 347 individual Veterans.
Among 18 Veterans surveyed after using the equipment, 89% said the device was helpful. Staff members also reported positive results. Of the 64 surveyed encounters where the equipment was used, 84% of staff responses rated the devices as very helpful.
The program also uncovered hearing difficulties that had not previously been documented. Researchers found that 26% of the Veterans identified as deaf or hard of hearing during the expanded program did not have an existing hearing-loss diagnosis in their medical records.
Communication can become especially important during an emergency room visit. Medical staff may need to explain test results, medications, treatment options, discharge instructions, or follow-up care in a short amount of time. A Veteran who cannot clearly hear that information may leave without fully understanding what happened during the visit or what to do next.
The Los Angeles program tested a relatively simple way to address that problem. Staff could provide a portable amplification device when a Veteran reported difficulty hearing or when communication problems became apparent during the visit.
The study was published Aug. 27 in Disability and Health Journal. Researchers from the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System and UCLA were among the authors.
Hearing loss is a common concern among Veterans. Military service can involve repeated exposure to aircraft, weapons fire, explosions, heavy machinery, and other high-noise environments. The Los Angeles project, however, focused on improving communication during emergency care rather than providing long-term treatment for hearing loss.
Researchers said more work is needed to make the devices easier for staff to access and use consistently during emergency room operations. The findings suggest emergency departments may be able to identify previously unrecognized hearing difficulties while improving communication between Veterans and their health care providers.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.