A hearing impaired patient is admitted to the hospital. Which of the following is the best way for the nurse to communicate effectively with this patient?

Explanation

• Hearing impairment may include the sensorineural (nerve-related) type, conductive type (which affects the outer or middle ear), or a mixed-type hearing loss.

• The best way to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired person is to face him/her and speak clearly so that they may benefit from adequate volume and also the visual reinforcement of seeing you speak.

• Incorrect: It is best to speak into the nonimpaired ear.

• Incorrect: Shouting is not effective for people with sensorineural damage.

• Incorrect: The first-line intervention is to speak directly and clearly. If the person still does not understand, written communication can be another option.

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