Tips to Ease Communication with Face Masks & Hearing Loss

It seems like a no-brainer that hearing loss is a problem of the ears. Indeed, most forms of hearing loss are located in the inner ear where hearing takes place. With that in mind, communication with face masks shouldn’t pose much of a problem, aside from the muffling effect of wearing a mask. Although it is true that face masks can have a slight effect on the volume of speech, they are part of a much bigger multi-sensory context of communication. 

Whether we realize it or not, many of us watch facial cues, expressions, and mouth movements to understand the content and the context of communication. We use that information to weave together isolated phrases, words, and syllables into meaningful thoughts. With our faces covered, we have not only a muffled audio quality but also obscured visibility. The following tips are useful to keep in mind when you are communicating with a face mask. Not only will these tips be helpful to those you know to have hearing loss, but they can also help people you meet in your daily life who have not even disclosed their challenges with hearing in a conversation. 

Communicate Your Needs

If you have hearing loss, the most important way to improve your communication with a face mask is to clearly communicate what you need from others. Social distancing can make communication even more difficult, with quieter volume and limited cues to follow. If you are not understanding someone, it is important not to pretend you can hear. Feel free to ask other people to repeat themselves or speak more loudly if possible. Although social distancing means you most likely cannot ask others to come closer to you, it is possible to ask for other accommodations. When appropriate, you can ask others to move with you to a quieter location. Stepping outside might make it possible to remove your masks in some cases. When you realize that something will help you understand more clearly, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. 

Anticipate the Needs of Others

Not only are you responsible for communicating your own needs in a masked conversation, but you can make great strides to help others who have hearing loss. Perhaps you have a family member, friend, or loved one with hearing loss. You can step in to assist when appropriate, repeating others’ questions or requesting accommodations that you know will be helpful. Subtle acts of interpretation can form a bridge between speaker and listener, and you can perform an essential service to others through a distanced relay. Offer your assistance when appropriate, and try to anticipate hearing needs in situations that require face masks. Keep in mind that those you encounter in the world might have hearing loss, as well. It doesn’t hurt to raise the volume of your voice a bit in conversations that require face masks. When you add social distancing to the muffling effect of face masks, a little extra volume doesn’t hurt anyone, particularly those in your midst who might have hearing loss. 

Seeking Hearing Treatment and Encourage Others

Although these accommodation strategies can get you so far, they can’t meet all of your hearing needs or the needs of others. If you are concerned that your struggle to communicate with a face mask might be due to hearing loss, don’t delay scheduling a hearing test. 

Our team can provide a thorough diagnosis that points toward a range of hearing aids suited to your individual needs. In addition to your own hearing needs, think about the others in your life who might be struggling to communicate while wearing face masks. Although we all find conversation with a face mask more difficult than maskless speech, some people struggle more than others. 

If you have a friend, loved one, or family member who shows signs of hearing loss, consider asking that person about the experience of communication. Without accusation, you can open up a dialogue about hearing ability and challenges, paving the way to treatment options. As we move into the future, accommodation strategies can only go so far, but treatment for hearing loss in the form of hearing aids can make a lasting difference. 

Contact us today to learn more about how hearing loss treatment can help improve communication