SWAMPSCOTT — While masks are currently considered a necessary safety tool against COVID-19, those who wear them might find they have a hard time communicating with people who suffer from hearing loss.
But masks that are clear, allowing those with hearing loss to see part of a speaker’s face, could solve part of the problem.
According to Dr. Joan McCormack, a doctor of audiology at Atlantic Hearing Care Inc. in Swampscott, masks make it virtually impossible for those with hearing loss to read lips or facial expressions, which can aid them while communicating. Other COVID-19 mandates, such as socially distancing by at least six feet, can make things even harder for those with hearing loss.
“The combination of wearing masks and social distancing greatly reduces the loudness and clarity of speech for everyone, but even more for the hearing impaired,” McCormack said. “Everyday speech becomes muffled and difficult to follow.”
In an effort to communicate effectively, while still being safe, McCormack and her staff at 990 Paradise Road have begun wearing “clear masks” with a see-through strip over the mouth. McCormack said many patients and their families have asked for clear masks to take home, and Atlantic Hearing Care has ordered more to provide to both patients and the public.
“People living with even mild hearing loss need visual cues from the speaker, lip-reading and facial expressions, to be able fill in the blanks of what was misheard and to follow conversation,” McCormack said. “At a time when people need connection, the necessity of social distancing, stay-in-place and face masks are isolating people even more.”
According to McCormack, hearing loss affects people of all ages, and it can lead to isolation, depression, and cognitive decline if untreated. She said hearing loss can start subtly, but more people are noticing it due to COVID-19 masks. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in the U.S. As much as a third of people over age 65 have hearing loss, and as much as half of people over age 75 have hearing loss.
“Hearing is essential for keeping connected to others and the world around us,” McCormack said. “These masks allow audiologists to treat patients while still making it possible for patients to see their lips and face.”
For information on receiving a clear mask, contact Atlantic Hearing Care at 781-581-1500.
