Final answer:
To assist a hearing impaired patient, it is important not to speak loudly but rather to speak slowly and clearly, use firm touch as needed, and stand within the patient's field of vision while using clear hand gestures to aid communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When checking in a patient who is hearing impaired, a medical assistant should take certain measures to ensure effective communication. Firstly, it is not recommended to speak loudly to the patient, as this may not be helpful and can come across as disrespectful.
The assistant should use a firm touch to get the patient's attention if necessary, ensuring it is gentle and appropriate. Standing within the patient's field of vision is crucial, as it allows the patient to use visual cues to support their understanding. Contrary to minimizing hand gestures, the assistant should use clear and deliberate hand gestures when speaking, which can aid in communication. It is also essential to speak slowly and clearly, which enables the patient to lip-read or understand speech despite any hearing difficulties.