Which of these actions should be avoided when assisting someone who is hearing impaired?

• A. Using good lighting
• B. Clarifying spoken statements
• C. Talking with your back turned
• D. Adjusting the tone of voice

Answer: (C)

Talking with your back turned is something that should definitely be avoided when assisting someone who is hearing impaired. This action can significantly hinder effective communication because if a person cannot hear well, they often rely on visual cues like lip reading and facial expressions to understand what is being said. By facing away from them, you limit their ability to pick up these visual signals, which can lead to frustration and misunderstandings.

In contrast, using good lighting helps ensure that the person can see your face clearly, which is beneficial for lip reading and watching facial expressions. Clarifying spoken statements is also crucial, as it provides the opportunity for the person to ask questions or request repetitions, fostering understanding. Adjusting the tone of voice can be helpful; while volume might need to increase, it’s often more effective to speak clearly without shouting, as distortions can make comprehension more difficult.