Tips for Communicating with Face Masks

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we interact with people. It’s recommended that we practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart from others as well wearing face masks that cover our mouths and noses. For anyone with hearing loss, communicating with face masks can be a new challenge. That’s why we wanted to give you our best tips for communicating with face masks.

How Masks Can Make Communication Hard

Many of us are following health and safety recommendations by wearing face masks, but these masks can make it hard to communicate. Masks can muffle sounds and make it hard to hear what people are saying. Not only that, but masks make it even harder to hear the high-pitched sounds people with hearing loss struggle to hear. Some of the ways masks make it hard to communicate include:

• Muffling or blocking sounds so it’s hard to follow speech
• Blocking the mouth, making it impossible to read lips
• Covering the face so it’s difficult to read facial expressions and understand people’s emotions
• Masks with ear loops can be uncomfortable for people wearing behind the ear hearing aids
• Making Masks More Comfortable

First let’s talk about how we can make masks more comfortable. There are a few ways you can wear your face mask so that it won’t interfere with your hearing aids:

• Use a button extender for your mask. This is a piece of fabric with two buttons. You can secure the ear loops on the buttons and place the fabric strip on the back of your head.
• Use a mask that has strings instead of loops. You can tie the strings behind your head, so you won’t have anything behind your ears.
• Secure the loops to a cloth headband or use hair clips to pin the loops to your hair.

These are just a few of the ways you can comfortably wear a face mask with your hearing aids.

Tips for Communicating with Face Masks

Communicating with face masks can be a new challenge, but with a little practice you’ll easily communicate while wearing a face mask. These tips will help you communicate when you and your friends are wearing masks:

Disclose your hearing loss. If you’re meeting someone for the first time, let them know you have hearing loss. This will encourage them to speak more clearly and help you hear.

• Face the person you’re speaking to. When wearing masks, it’s more important than ever that you face the person you’re speaking to.
• Get their attention. Don’t start speaking until you’re sure your friend is paying attention. You can say their name or wave to get their attention.
• Talk a little slower than usual.
• Talk slightly louder than usual, but don’t yell.
• Feel free to talk with your hands and use your body language to help express yourself.
• Make sure there are no distracting background noises.
• Writing a word or phrase on paper if you’re having trouble understanding each other.

Hearing Aid Safety

You’ll need to be cautious when putting on and taking off your face mask. Make sure you don’t dislodge your hearing aids or lose one of your devices. We suggest that you only take off your mask in a safe place, then carefully check that both your hearing aids are still in place.

When you’re communicating with a face mask, you’ll need to double check that your hearing aids are working properly. Clean them every day and look for any signs of damage. Remove any buildup of earwax or dirt, and make sure you always have extra batteries on hand.

Mask Alternatives

There are some alternatives to wearing cloth masks. If you’re visiting with family and friends outdoors, make sure your chairs are placed at least 6 feet apart. When you sit down you can remove your masks and have a normal conversation. You can also make use of barriers. You may be able to remove your mask if you have a clear plastic or plexiglass barrier between you and the person you’re speaking to. Finally, you can find facemasks with clear panels over the mouth so that your face isn’t as covered.

Treating Your Hearing Loss

Has wearing a face mask made you realize you have hearing loss? Visit us for a hearing test, and learn more about your hearing loss and hearing needs.