Question

A medical assistant is checking in a patient with hearing loss. Which of the following actions should the medical assistant take?

A. Speak loudly and enunciate clearly to ensure the patient can hear.
B. Use written communication or gestures to convey information.
C. Assume the patient can lip-read and continue conversation as usual.
D. Request a family member to interpret for the patient.

Answer 1

When checking in a patient with hearing loss, the medical assistant should take the following action:

B. Use written communication or gestures to convey information.

Speaking loudly and enunciating clearly may not be effective for someone with hearing loss, as it can distort speech and make it more difficult to understand. Instead, using written communication or gestures can help ensure effective communication with the patient. This can involve providing written instructions, using a pen and paper to write down important information, or using gestures to convey simple messages. It is important to be patient and understanding while communicating with individuals with hearing loss to ensure they receive the necessary information and feel comfortable during their visit.

Answer 2

A medical assistant should use written communication or gestures and if necessary, speak slowly and clearly for a patient with hearing loss. They should avoid assumptions about lip-reading abilities, refrain from using loud speech, and consider a professional interpreter for sign language users.

Step-by-step explanation:

When checking in a patient with hearing loss, a medical assistant should take specific actions that appropriately accommodate the patient’s needs. One recommended action is to use written communication or gestures to convey important information, ensuring clear understanding. If speaking is necessary, it is essential to speak slowly and clearly, but not necessarily loudly, as raising the voice can distort speech and make lip-reading more difficult. It is incorrect to assume all individuals with hearing loss can lip-read or to rely on family members to interpret, as neither may be accurate or appropriate in every situation.

Additionally, a medical assistant should pay attention to non-verbal cues, maintain eye contact to facilitate lip-reading if the patient is capable, and confirm understanding. Using visual aids can enhance communication, and it is also helpful to eliminate background noise where possible. In some cases, it may also be necessary to request the services of a professional interpreter who is trained in sign language, if the patient uses it. Always remember to respect privacy and communicate directly with the patient whenever possible.