Long-Term Care

Communicating with hearing-impaired residents

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, February 25, 2004

Communicating with hearing-impaired residents who do not wear hearing aids or don't benefit from them can be difficult. That's why CNAs should follow these guidelines for communicating with residents who don't hear well:

  • Get the person's attention before speaking.
  • Turn off the radio or television.
  • Stand approximately three to six feet away from the person.
  • Face the person.
  • Make sure there is enough light so that your face is seen clearly.
  • Do not cover your mouth or eat while speaking to the resident.
  • Position yourself at the resident's eye level.
  • Speak slightly louder than normal, but do not shout. Shouting distorts the speech sounds and makes understanding more difficult.
  • Use short, concise sentences.
  • Repeat your message, if necessary.
  • Use nonverbal communication methods--such as facial expressions and gestures--to help get your message across.
  • Ask the person to repeat what you said.
  • Write out your message if it is important.

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