Which type of barriers may include hearing or speech impairments?

The correct choice pertains to physical barriers, as they relate specifically to tangible challenges that affect an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. Hearing impairments prevent individuals from receiving auditory information, while speech impairments can hinder their ability to express themselves verbally. Both of these factors create obstacles in the communication process, requiring adaptations or alternative methods for effective interaction, such as sign language, written communication, or assistive technologies.

Nonverbal barriers involve issues with interpreting or conveying nonverbal cues, which can occur regardless of a person's physical abilities. Chemical barriers pertain more to environmental factors that may affect health, such as pollution or toxins, which do not directly relate to communication difficulties. Emotional barriers involve feelings and attitudes that hinder communication but do not specifically include impairments related to hearing or speech. Thus, physical barriers resonate with the scenario of communication challenges stemming from auditory or speech difficulties.