Final answer:
Important nursing actions for communicating with a hearing-impaired older adult include limiting background noise, facing the patient, and speaking directly to their good ear at an increased volume. Exaggerating lip movements or raising the pitch of the voice are not recommended; instead, speak slowly and clearly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important nursing actions when speaking with an older adult whose hearing is impaired include limiting background noise, standing directly in front of the patient when speaking, and raising the volume of your voice while speaking directly toward the patient's good ear if they have one. It's important to ensure that the patient can see your lips move, which aids in understanding. However, exaggerating lip movements is generally not recommended, as it may come across as patronizing or may distort speech. Similarly, raising the pitch of your voice is usually not helpful; it's more effective to speak slowly, clearly, and at a lower pitch if possible, since high-pitched sounds may be harder for some hearing-impaired individuals to perceive.
Effective communication with hearing-impaired individuals focuses on clarity and ease of understanding rather than simply increasing volume or changing pitch, and it includes environmental considerations, like reducing any background noise that could further impede the patient's ability to hear. Understanding the proper ways to communicate with hearing-impaired patients can greatly improve their experience and ensure they receive the best possible care.