How can you confirm if a resident uses a hearing aid?

To confirm if a resident uses a hearing aid, checking the kardex is a reliable method because the kardex is a comprehensive record that contains critical information about each resident's needs and preferences, including the use of medical devices such as hearing aids. This documentation is routinely updated by healthcare professionals, ensuring that staff are informed about the resident's support requirements.

While asking the resident may seem like a straightforward approach, it relies on the resident's ability to communicate effectively, which may not always be the case, particularly for individuals with hearing impairments. Examining the resident's ears provides a physical inspection, but it may not yield definitive information without confirming that a hearing aid is present and functional. Monitoring for non-verbal cues may show signs of hearing difficulties, but it does not confirm the use of a hearing aid. Therefore, accessing the kardex provides the most accurate and efficient confirmation of hearing aid usage.