CNA Certification (Written Exam)Communication and Psychosocial NeedsMedium

A resident's hearing aid is not working properly, and she says she cannot hear well today. What should the nurse aide check first?

  1. AWhether the resident's roommate is speaking too loudly
  2. BWhether the hearing aid battery needs replacing
  3. CWhether the resident is pretending not to hear
  4. DWhether the resident needs a hospital referral
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Whether the hearing aid battery needs replacing

A common and simple cause of hearing aid malfunction is a dead or weak battery. Checking this first is a quick, appropriate nurse aide action before assuming other causes.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Roommate volume is unrelated to hearing aid malfunction.
  • C. Assuming the resident is pretending is disrespectful and unlikely.
  • D. A hospital referral is premature before basic troubleshooting.

Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Basic care of hearing aids includes checking battery function, cleanliness, and proper fit before assuming device failure.

  • Dead batteries are a common cause of malfunction
  • Clean earwax buildup can also block sound
  • Report persistent problems to the nurse

Memory trick: Battery first, blame last.

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