Face Masks Disrupting Effective Communication for Those With Hearing Loss

The Required Use of Face Masks Tied to the Ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic Have Provided Challenges for Those With Hearing Loss. Learn Easy Ways You Can Help.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the way we all operate on a daily basis: from social distancing to hosting smaller gatherings to using face masks when in public.

In fact, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has encouraged the public’s increasing use of face masks, citing several ongoing studies that show face coverings are an important – and easy – way for the general population to help reduce the spread of the disease.

“But for people with hearing loss, face masks can make communication difficult, if not impossible,” says Carrie Meyer, Au.D., the Director of Clinical Programs for Amplifon Americas with more than 30 years in the hearing care field. “The good news is that with some simple tips, we can all improve our communication skills to help those with hearing loss during this time.”

When Speaking

• Speak slowly
• Rephrase rather than repeat
• Avoid shouting; maintain a conversational volume
• Use writing/typing if possible

When Listening

• Face the person speaking
• Maintain social distance, but move closer if possible
• Reduce noise in the background (close windows, move fans)

In addition, those with hearing loss can also schedule an appointment with their local hearing health-care professional to ensure their hearing aids are properly tuned – in a safe way and in a safe environment. For instance, Amplifon Canada collaborated with internationally renowned medical experts to implement rigorous protocols and safety standards in the clinics to ensure a safe experience for their clients and employees.

With a few adjustments, a licensed hearing care professional can help adjust hearing aid settings to compensate for the mitigating effects of face masks, which have been shown to reduce high frequency sounds (an essential component of understanding speech).

So, whether you have hearing loss yourself, or if you have friends, family or colleagues with hearing loss, we can all find safe and effective ways to stay connected in the days and weeks ahead and continue enjoying all the emotions of sound.

About Amplifon 

Amplifon, global leader in the hearing care retail market, empowers people to rediscover all the emotions of sound. Amplifon’s around 17,000 people worldwide strive every day to understand the unique needs of every customer, delivering exclusive, innovative, and highly personalized products and services, to ensure everyone the very best solution and an outstanding experience. Amplifon operates through a network of around 11,000 points of sale in 28 countries and 5 continents. In Canada, there are more than 70 clinics across six provinces. More information about the company is available at www.amplifon.com/ca and www.amplifon.com/corporate.