Application of a reverse stethoscope to overcome communication barriers: A case report of an elderly patient with illiteracy and profound hearing loss
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: RATIONALE: As a common clinical diagnostic tool, stethoscopes have the ability to amplify sound, isolate ambient noise, and locate the source of sound. However, we reversed the stethoscope innovatively. This changed its standard use, delivering sound directly to the patient's ear. It successfully overcame communication barriers between clinicians and patients who have both illiteracy and severe hearing loss (HL). PATIENT CONCERNS: This paper reports a case of a 74-year-old elderly male patient with illiteracy combined with very severe HL requiring a hearing decibel of 82 dB, living alone, who visited our hemodialysis unit because of end-stage renal failure requiring hemodialysis treatment. DIAGNOSES: Uremia, Chronic kidney disease stage 5, Hearing loss. INTERVENTIONS: Reverse stethoscope technique using a stethoscope between doctor and patient. OUTCOMES: Communication barriers were addressed and the physician successfully took a medical history. LESSONS: For patients with illiteracy combined with very severe HL, we can interrogate them with a stethoscope reverse auscultation technique.
Source: Medicine
Authors: Qin Zhang, Hongqun Zhang, Xiaojuan Han, Zhuoyin Wang, Qi Chen
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,950
OpenAlex ID: W4415526367