In these times of masks and social distancing everyone is having difficulty understanding what is being said. Depending on the type of mask or face shield being used, there can be an impactful reduction in the high frequency sounds of speech which can make it seem like people are mumbling. Here is a link to the Grainger College Of Engineering study on how masks impact speech.
The use of masks and social distancing is especially difficult for those with untreated hearing loss who were struggling even before the new protocols. My first recommendation for people who are struggling is to see an audiologist for a hearing test to determine if there is an underlying hearing loss. If hearing loss is identified, addressing it with appropriate amplification can help reduce the frustration experienced when trying to communicate with or without masks. An audiologist can also help get other communication tools, such as captioned telephones which are available at no cost to those with hearing loss.
If you are communicating with someone with hearing loss while using masks or social distancing, it helps to speak slowly and clearly. Raising your volume only distorts the sounds further and may increase frustration for both communication partners. Ensure the surrounding environment is as quiet as possible by turning off any other sound sources such as television or radio, or move to a less noisy place if possible. If someone asks for repetition and still doesn’t understand after you repeat it, try rephrasing your remark. Sometimes simply using different words will help the person with hearing loss understand.
If you already wear hearing aids and haven’t had a hearing test in over a year, it’s possible the devices just simply need to be “tuned up” for your current hearing levels. Some hearing aids can be reprogrammed remotely using a smartphone app, including adding a “mask” program setting to help with speech clarity. There are also accessories that might be helpful for current hearing aid users, such as devices that can be paired to a computer for those that are relying on video meetings for school or work, and remote microphones that play sound directly into hearing aids.
We understand that folks might be apprehensive about addressing their hearing health care needs during the pandemic. We share these concerns and are taking all of the required and suggested steps to keep both our staff and patients safe. We offer curbside, contactless services or telehealth appointments whenever possible. When a patient needs to come into the office, we strictly adhere to all COVID-19 safety protocols from the state of Massachusetts and the CDC, including pre-screening, use of face coverings, extra cleaning protocols and more as detailed on our website. Being able to communicate is more important than ever during a time when we’re being asked to distance ourselves for the health and wellbeing of our community.