When interacting with a patient hard of hearing, what position should a medical assistant avoid?

When interacting with a patient who is hard of hearing, it is important for effective communication that the medical assistant is facing the patient directly. Turning sideways when speaking can obstruct the patient’s ability to read lips or see facial expressions, both of which are crucial for many individuals with hearing impairments. Making eye contact reinforces connection and engagement, while positioning at the same eye level fosters a sense of equality and helps the patient feel more comfortable and respected. Additionally, using clear and slow speech is beneficial as it allows the patient to better understand the spoken words. Therefore, the practice of turning sideways should be avoided to ensure communication is as clear and effective as possible.