How To Communicate With Masks And Hearing Aids

Wearing masks is part of our daily health safety routine. And while they protect us from the spread of coronavirus, they also create roadblocks for communication, especially for those who wear hearing aids.

‍Communication Problems And Masks

‍First and foremost, masks cover your mouth, which inhibits lip-reading for those with hearing loss. Lip-reading often fills the gaps in conversation that hearing aids may not pick up. It’s also hard to interpret visual cues associated with speech because half of your face is covered.Masks muffle speech and can make it challenging to catch high-pitched tones, even for people without hearing loss. Social distancing also puts more space between people, so you can’t lean in to improve communication.

‍Tips To Improve Mask Communication

‍Good communication practices are essential for those with and without hearing loss. Here are a few easy ways to improve conversations while wearing a mask:

• Have someone’s full attention and face them when you’re speaking.
• Find a quiet spot to have a conversation.
• Talk loudly and slowly.
• Ask your partner if they understand and write things down to clarify.
• Use your hands and body language to convey speech.

You may also want to invest in masks with a window panel or clear face shields, so your mouth is visible. Plexiglass barriers are another option to ensure health safety and concise conversation.

‍Hearing Aid Technology

‍Hearing aid manufacturers like Starkey, Phonak, Widex, and Oticon created programs to compensate for masked speech. These applications are available through apps for smartphones and iPads. Several manufacturers also created speech-to-text apps that convert spoken words to text in real-time.Hearing aid mask modes enhance the audio spectrum that speech typically falls under and reduces background noise. Directional mics help your hearing aids focus on the speaker, so you don’t have to strain to hear them.

‍Contact Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte to learn more about our services. Call 704-412-7975 to schedule an appointment today.