Patient F has a history of progressive hearing loss and superficial siderosis. His hearing loss has progressed to the point where hearing aids were no longer helpful to him. He was a cochlear implant candidate and came to TGH for his surgery. He had a protruding right superior pinna that was not able to well support hearing aids or a cochlear implant processor. For this reason, otoplasty was performed so we can support a cochlear implant processor on the pinna following surgery.
After a right cochlear implant and otoplasty, he was initially going to be discharged however, he was noted to have low blood pressure and was transferred to the Neuroscience ICU 1. While he was in the ICU, his hearing aids were not working, and he did not have any battery replacement or family at the bedside to help him. He was very worried about not being able to hear since he was by himself. His bedside nurse Melissa came to me and asked if we carry hearing aid batteries. We did not on the floor, but we called the gift shop, and they had his exact battery. Melissa went down to the shop and we purchased the batteries.
She went to insert the first battery and it would not work. They tried another battery in the pack and that did not work. Melissa asked Dr. A if he could look at the hearing aid and try to fix it. He could not get it to work but kindly took it to the otology team and they were able to
fix the hearing aid! F is doing very well and awaiting a bed on the floor. He is so appreciative that his surgery went well and for his care team for going the extra mile. Dr. A and Melissa went above and beyond to make FD feel safe.