Support in nursing care settings and in settings for people with dementia

Why hearing matters here in particular

A resident who does not hear well finds it hard to understand instructions, take part in activities and answer when asked something. With a person with dementia, it is even harder to know whether they did not understand because of their hearing or for another reason. So it is worth first making sure of the simple thing: that their hearing aid is in the ear, switched on and working. We do not claim to treat dementia and we do not determine anything about it. What we do know how to do, from years of work at institutions, is help staff build a routine in which the hearing aid and communication do not fall through the cracks.

Communicating with a resident who finds it hard to hear

• Before speaking — make eye contact. Come into their field of vision, and do not speak from behind or from the side.
• Reduce noise. Turn down the TV or radio before a conversation, and prefer a quiet corner.
• Short sentences, one at a time. One instruction, a pause, and only then the next.
• Do not raise your voice. Shouting distorts the words. It is better to speak slowly and clearly, and to rephrase when they did not understand.
• Show. Point to the cup, the chair, the garment. A simple gesture helps more than repeating the same word.
• Glasses and hearing aid together. For a resident who uses both, both should be on when you talk with them.

The hearing aid routine within the care routine

The simplest way to make sure the hearing aid is used is to link it to actions that happen anyway. In the morning, together with the glasses and getting dressed — hearing aid in the ear. At night, together with taking out dentures or the last drink — hearing aid to the charger or the case. And at the shift handover — one line: worn, charged, any problem. The practical side of daily care — inserting, removing, charging and batteries — staff learn in training for nursing staff (in Hebrew) through the laboratory.

When a resident refuses or takes the hearing aid out

This happens, especially with people with dementia. Sometimes the hearing aid is uncomfortable or does not sit well; sometimes it whistles; sometimes the noise around is confusing. Before giving up, it is worth checking the technical things: whether the hearing aid sits correctly, whether it is clean, whether it is at the set volume. If the problem continues, that is exactly the case for arranging a check of the hearing aid and the fitting. And even when a resident does not wear a hearing aid, the communication rules above still apply.

Hearing aids that go missing

In settings like these, hearing aids are sometimes found on the food tray, in the laundry or in a dressing-gown pocket. A brightly coloured case, a fixed place next to the bed, and a check before trays or clothes are taken away for washing save a lot. You can also use the recommendations on a hearing aid care kit for each resident (in Hebrew).

What does not belong to us

A change in behaviour, ear pain, discharge or a blockage — these are matters for the medical team. If a sudden hearing loss has appeared, see a doctor without delay. We handle the side of hearing, the hearing aid and communication, and leave diagnosis to the appropriate professionals.

Related pages

Hearing solutions for institutions and communities · Assisted living and nursing homes · Training for nursing staff (in Hebrew) · Guidance for families and caregivers · A hearing aid care kit for each resident (in Hebrew)

English version: 4 November 2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team. Original version updated 19.10.2026. The information is general; the format, service options and cost are set in advance for each institution.

More in English

InstitutionsNursing homes and assisted livingCustom earplugs for groupsHome hearing test for seniorsContact G-Sound