Communicating in the day of COVID-19 has not been easy. Sure, we no longer have to contend with crowded, noisy restaurants and large group settings, however, there's always that one person on Zoom that mumbles or you may find yourself straining to hear people through the now required use of face masks. There are 2 main problems that face masks present: 1. decreased high frequencies and 2. removal of critical visual cues and facial expressions that aid in communication. The first issue has been confirmed and summarized nicely in this study from the University of Illinois. Face masks muffle speech! And this can be particularly challenging for people with hearing loss. Those same people are often those who rely on visual cues and context to make up for what the ear didn't hear- which brings us to the second issue- the lack of visual cues. Even folks with normal hearing utilize facial expressions and speech reading to gain information about what is being said. We do this unconsciously.
So, what can we do? First, as noted in the University of Illinois study mentioned above, hearing aids can help! If you already own hearing aids, use them. Make sure they are in good working condition and have been recently optimized for possible changing hearing levels. If you suspect hearing loss but do not already use hearing aids, make an appointment soon with a licensed audiologist. Be proactive about your hearing health as we now know from multiple studies there is a correlation with untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline; hearing loss is the #1 modifiable risk factor for preventing dementia (through the use of hearing aids).
Additionally, consider asking friends, coworkers and loved ones to use a clear mask to allow for visual cues to be seen. In cases of moderate to severe and profound hearing loss, I have been told the clear masks make a world of difference when it comes to ease of communication.
And finally, as always, use context whenever possible. Know the topic of conversation and ask questions if needed. Let your brain fill in gaps when your ears and eyes don't do the trick. I always say "if someone is knocking at the *blank*---, how would you fill in the blank?" We didn't have to hear the word "door" to know that is likely what was said. That is using context.
For information where to obtain clear masks in the Massachusetts area, please contact me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to forward a document with information on multiple options.
So, what can we do? First, as noted in the University of Illinois study mentioned above, hearing aids can help! If you already own hearing aids, use them. Make sure they are in good working condition and have been recently optimized for possible changing hearing levels. If you suspect hearing loss but do not already use hearing aids, make an appointment soon with a licensed audiologist. Be proactive about your hearing health as we now know from multiple studies there is a correlation with untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline; hearing loss is the #1 modifiable risk factor for preventing dementia (through the use of hearing aids).
Additionally, consider asking friends, coworkers and loved ones to use a clear mask to allow for visual cues to be seen. In cases of moderate to severe and profound hearing loss, I have been told the clear masks make a world of difference when it comes to ease of communication.
And finally, as always, use context whenever possible. Know the topic of conversation and ask questions if needed. Let your brain fill in gaps when your ears and eyes don't do the trick. I always say "if someone is knocking at the *blank*---, how would you fill in the blank?" We didn't have to hear the word "door" to know that is likely what was said. That is using context.
For information where to obtain clear masks in the Massachusetts area, please contact me at [email protected] and I'll be happy to forward a document with information on multiple options.
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