Which is a recommended strategy when communicating with a resident who has a hearing impairment?

• A. Face the resident, speak clearly and slowly, use short sentences, use body language and written notes if needed, ensure hearing aid is in place
• B. Shout loudly
• C. Turn away to avoid blocking
• D. Use medical jargon

Answer: (A)

When communicating with a resident who has a hearing impairment, the goal is to maximize both visibility and clarity of the message. Face the resident so they can see your face and read lips if needed, speak clearly and at a moderate pace, and use short, simple sentences. Use natural body language and gestures to reinforce what you’re saying, and offer written notes or other visual cues if necessary. Make sure the hearing aid is in place and functioning, and keep the environment quiet to reduce background noise. After sharing information, check understanding by asking the resident to repeat or paraphrase what you said.

Shouting loudly can distort sound and become harder to understand, especially over background noise. Turning away prevents lip-reading and signals disengagement. Using medical jargon creates barriers because it adds unneeded complexity.