An older nursing home resident reports that her hearing loss is getting worse. What is the first action of the nurse?

A. Raising the voice may distort speech further and can be perceived as yelling, which is not respectful or always helpful. B. Examining the resident’s ears for cerumen impaction is the first and most appropriate action, as impacted earwax is a common and reversible cause of hearing loss in older adults. C. Teaching the resident to read lips may be beneficial later, but it is not a first-line action before identifying a possible correctable cause. D. Referring for a hearing aid evaluation is appropriate if a physical cause like cerumen impaction is ruled out.