North Carolina CNA Written Practice Exam

How should you communicate with a client who has a hearing impairment?

1. Shout at them

2. Speak slowly and clearly

3. Ignore background noise

4. Use sign language only

The correct answer is: Speak slowly and clearly

When communicating with a client who has a hearing impairment, speaking slowly and clearly is essential. This approach allows the individual to better read lips and understand speech, enhancing their ability to comprehend the message being conveyed. It demonstrates respect and recognition of their communication needs, creating a supportive environment. Speaking slowly and clearly does not overwhelm the client and gives them a better chance to follow along with the conversation. Other options may not support effective communication. Shouting at someone with a hearing impairment can be counterproductive, as it may distort sound and make it harder for them to understand. Ignoring background noise can be challenging, as it may interfere with their ability to hear and focus on the conversation, depending on the severity of their hearing loss. Lastly, while sign language is a valuable tool, not all clients may be familiar with it, so relying solely on it can exclude individuals who do not use sign language as their primary means of communication. Therefore, using clear and deliberate speech is often the most effective method of communication in these situations.