When assisting a patient with moderate hearing loss, what should the medical assistant do to facilitate communication?

Facilitating communication with a patient who has moderate hearing loss requires clear and effective methods that enhance understanding. Speaking clearly while facing the patient is crucial, as it allows the individual to read lip movements and see facial expressions, which can aid in comprehension. This approach minimizes additional barriers to communication that can arise from hearing difficulties.

For example, facing the patient and speaking clearly ensures that they can engage with both verbal cues and visual signals, making it more likely that they will understand what is being communicated. It also allows the medical assistant to maintain eye contact, which can be reassuring and fosters a better interaction between the patient and provider.

Other methods, such as writing down questions or using sign language, can also be effective in certain contexts. However, depending on the patient's level of hearing loss and their familiarity with various communication methods, speaking directly and clearly while facing them is often the most immediate and effective strategy. Speaking loudly from behind the patient can be ineffective and disorienting, as they may not be able to properly interpret the sound or understand the context of what is being said.