A nurse is teaching a class about physiological changes to hearing in older adult clients. Which of the following should the nurse include?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because inability to recognize any words may indicate a problem with the auditory cortex, which is the part of the brain that processes sound, not the inner ear. The inner ear consists of the cochlea, which converts sound waves into nerve impulses, and the vestibular system, which helps with balance and orientation.

Choice B Reason: This is correct because loss of balance is a common symptom of an inner ear infection. An inner ear infection can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the vestibular system, which can disrupt the sense of equilibrium and cause vertigo, dizziness, or nausea.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because twitching of the cheek may indicate a problem with the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression, not the inner ear. The facial nerve runs close to the inner ear, but it is not part of it.

Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because lack of air sound may indicate a problem with the outer or middle ear, which transmit sound waves to the inner ear, not the inner ear itself. The outer ear consists of the pinna and the ear canal, and the middle ear consists of the eardrum and the ossicles.

Choice A Reason: Providing written materials and visual aids is not necessary for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Normal hearing ranges from 0 to 20 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as faint as 20 dB or less.

Choice B Reason: Using American Sign Language is not appropriate for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. American Sign Language is a form of communication that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning. It is mainly used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Choice C Reason: Shouting at the client from 6 inches away is not advisable for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Shouting can be perceived as rude or aggressive, and can damage the hearing of both the speaker and the listener.

Choice D Reason: Speaking to the client in an everyday conversational tone is the best action for a client who has hearing at 15 dB, which is considered normal hearing. Conversational speech ranges from 40 to 60 dB, meaning that the person can hear sounds that are as loud as 60 dB or less.