7 Tips For Communicating With Individuals With Hearing Loss When Wearing a Mask

While wearing masks becomes our new normal, it also has the unintended consequence of making communication more difficult, particularly if you already have a hearing loss. A recent study published in the May 2020 issue of Hearing Review by authors Goldin, Weinstein suggests that medical grade face masks may reduce high frequency speech sounds that are critical for speech understanding by up to 12 decibels. This corresponds to them sounding about half as loud as they would without the mask. Combining this reduction in volume with the absence of visual cues necessary for speech reading leads to a strain on the ease of conversation for those with hearing loss.

So what can you do about it? When you are wearing your mask to protect your health and the health of others, please keep these tips in mind: 

1-Speak more slowly and a little louder than usual

2-Avoid shouting or over exaggerating words

3-Obtain the person's attention by saying their name before speaking to them

4-Reduced distance as much as is permitted as well as background noise when talking to an individual with hearing loss

5-Rephrase instead of repeating when conversation is misheard

6-Ensure that those with hearing aids are wearing them. 

7-If you suspect the individual has a hearing loss but has not yet addressed it, encourage them to schedule a hearing test with a licensed Doctor of Audiology. Many practices will be reopening soon using strict safety precautions and have seen an influx of patients calling in need of help

Hearing is essential to communication. Social distancing shouldn’t automatically translate to social isolation. Utilizing the tips above and getting tested by an Audiologist if there is any suspicion of hearing loss will help you be sure that you are able to stay engaged in every conversation.

Dr. Chandace Jeep, Au.D. is a certified Doctor of Audiology and fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. She specializes in diagnosis of hearing loss and tinnitus in adults, children, and newborns as well as advanced fitting of hearing aids. She was born and raised in Durango and returned to our community in 2008. Dr. Jeep has practiced for 14 years and owns Animas Valley Audiology with office locations in both Durango and Cortez.