The COVID-19 pandemic has been an inconvenience for most and a tragedy for others. It’s taken over our lives. However, little media coverage is given to the difficulties faced by those suffering from hearing impairments.
Measures put in place to protect us from coronavirus, such as masks and social distancing, have made life more difficult for hearing aid wearers.
What can be done about this?
There are masks for hearing aid wearers that can protect you from coronavirus while limiting the challenges of hearing the world around you. Here’s what you need to know about face masks for hearing aid wearers in the UK.
Face masks and other forms of protective equipment add communication challenges for everyone, but it’s even more difficult for those with various hearing impairments.
Some of the reasons for this include:
For hearing aid wearers, the pandemic has been a nightmare in more ways than one. Unfortunately, there are few provisions for those who suffer from mild and profound hearing loss.
Are there any face masks for people with hearing aids? Unfortunately, options are relatively limited for hearing aid wearers, but there are options to make life easier.
The best type of face mask for hearing aid wearers is one that doesn’t add a layer of discomfort. Earloop masks are the standard, but they can be uncomfortable if you’re wearing a hearing aid. Opt for a mask that ties at the back of the head rather than one that uses ear loops. This is an excellent option for those who wear BTE hearing aids. Simply tie the strings around the back of your head so your mask doesn’t get in the way of your hearing aid.
Utilizing the same concept, there are also face masks for hearing aid users that wrap around the back of the neck rather than the back of the head. These are made of elastic, so they are designed to work with anyone.
Finally, if you have no choice but to wear a traditional ear loop mask, you can purchase a mask extender. A mask extender clips onto the ear loops of the mask to convert any mask into a behind-the-head design. These are commonly used by healthcare workers to prevent chafing and to make wearing a mask all day more comfortable.
Alternatively, you may want to simply consider wearing a face shield, as these don’t require you to tie anything around your ears.
Sadly, there’s no way to deal with the problem of being unable to read lips or notice facial cues other than to tell the other person to speak up. Consider purchasing a mask sticker to notify people of your hearing difficulties.
What are the best masks for hearing aid wearers? If you’re looking for some inspiration for the right masks to buy, here are some recommendations. These masks are designed not only to make wearing a hearing device easier during the pandemic but they are also designed for additional comfort.
We’ve shopped around and come up with the following recommendations for masks for people with hearing aids.
One Size Fits All are 100% cotton masks that come with two adjustable pieces of elastic. They wrap around your head instead of fitting to the outside of your ears. Stoppers on either side and the safety bead can be used to adjust this mask for maximum comfort. They are also available in double and triple-layer options for more protection against coronavirus. We love this mask because you can put this mask on without needing to adjust your hearing aids afterward.
This mask for hearing aid wearers is like the One Size Fits All option—the elastic wraps completely around your head, up to 22 inches. The two bands secure the mask to your head, so it essentially acts as a tube to crawl into. Three layers of fabric also include a built-in filter pocket. There’s no nose wire, so you don’t need to worry about any discomfort on the bridge of your nose.
The Hearing Aid Friendly Face Mask on Etsy is a polycotton mask that comes in both filter and non-filter pocket forms. It fits around the head using a double-laced soft cord. Simply pull the toggle to secure it. This overcomes the problem of elastic becoming caught and tangles in your hearing aids. Like the other masks we recommend, this mask fastens completely around the head.
Although mask mandates are in place in many parts of the world, there’s little to no guidance on the exact type of face mask required. Other than countries like Germany, there’s no requirement to wear a medical face mask. This means you can buy a mask for hearing aid wearers practically anywhere. Online marketplaces like Etsy and Amazon offer thousands of different options.
As a hearing aid wearer, we highly recommend avoiding using complimentary face masks as these are nearly always the traditional blue dental face masks. Hearing aid wearers can pick up face masks for just a few dollars, so there’s no need to spend a lot of money on protecting yourself.
Masks for hearing aid wearers are a lifesaver for those who have a hearing impairment, but it can take some practice to avoid disturbing the placement of your hearing aids. Furthermore, it’s wise to take additional steps to ensure you can continue to communicate and understand what others are saying. Here are our top tips for wearing hearing aids and a mask at the same time.
If you have long hair, you know how frustrating it can be when it gets in the way. Tie back long hair and remove glasses before affixing your face mask. This can prevent it from getting tangled up in your mask.
Modern, state-of-the-art hearing aids allow you to hear without taking any additional precautions. However, face masks have made this more difficult. Speak slowly and clearly and ask the other person to do the same. Hearing aids continue to be effective, but comprehension can be challenging when the other person is wearing a mask. Focus on the task at hand to maintain clarity.
Did you know that many hearing aid updates now include a special face mask mode? Using the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, manufacturers have updated their hearing aids to include face mask modes. Manufacturers that have already updated their hearing aids include Oticon, Starkey, and Signia. This mode automatically adjusts your hearing aids to account for the average changes in speech volume and clarity when the speaker is wearing a mask.
Portable hearing aid amplifiers come in many forms. Clip-on microphones are a common accessory and are a lifesaver in conversation during the pandemic. Ask the other person if they wouldn’t mind using this microphone. RogerMic, especially, is the gold standard in hearing aid accessories and provides crystal-clear clarity when worn. Portable hearing aid amplifiers overcome many of the challenges of face mask-wearing.
If you need to have an important conversation with someone, consider moving to a quieter environment. Even state-of-the-art hearing aids are challenged by noisy environments with many speakers. Face in the direction of the speaker and try to find a quiet nook to have your conversation. As irritating as this can be, it’s an easy fix if you’re having trouble hearing the other person behind the face mask.
Misunderstood phrases have become an increasingly common problem for hearing aid wearers. If you’re the one trying to convey meaning and the other person is having a hard time, don’t underestimate how important body language, slowing down your speech, and eye contact can be. This is not just a tip for hearing aid wearers but for anyone who knows a hearing aid wearer. Empathy and patience are key to getting through these difficult times for everyone.
While nothing can be done about mask mandates, hearing aid manufacturers have updated and upgraded their hearing aids to automatically adjust to the challenges of listening to someone behind a mask. There has never been a better time to look into a cutting-edge hearing aid if you have a hearing impairment.
We can help you compare hearing aids and can schedule a free hearing test with a licensed audiologist. Get in touch with EarPros now!
