State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Practice Exam

Which of the following is the best practice when communicating with a resident who has hearing loss?

1. Speak loudly and quickly

2. Speak clearly and at a moderate pace

3. Use complex vocabulary to express yourself

4. Speak to them from a distance

The correct answer is: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace

When communicating with a resident who has hearing loss, speaking clearly and at a moderate pace is the best practice because it enhances their ability to understand you. This approach allows the resident to better read your lips if they are able to do so and gives them time to process what is being said. Clarity in your speech, combined with a moderate pace, reduces the chances of creating confusion or misunderstanding, which is key in effective communication with individuals who may struggle to hear. Using loud speech can be counterproductive, as it may distort the sound and make it harder for the resident to comprehend what is being said. Rapid speech can overwhelm someone with hearing loss, who needs extra time to catch the words. Additionally, complex vocabulary can create barriers in communication; simple and straightforward language is generally more effective in ensuring understanding. Speaking from a distance can further hinder communication by making it difficult for the resident to read facial expressions and lip movements, which are crucial for many with hearing impairments. This makes speaking clearly and at a moderate pace the most effective strategy.