Face Masks Disrupting Effective Communication for Those With Hearing Loss
01 Octubre 2020 - 1:15PM
Business Wire
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.
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 Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC)
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., Director of Clinical Programs for Amplifon Americas and an
Audiologist Member of the Minnesota Department of Health, Hearing
Instrument Dispenser Advisory Council. “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 provider to ensure
their hearing aids are properly tuned – in a safe way and in a safe
environment. For instance, Miracle-Ear recently partnered with
internationally renowned experts, Anil K. Lalwani, MD, and E. Yoko
Furuya, MD MS, from Columbia University College of Physicians and
Surgeons, to implement rigorous protocols and safety standards in
their stores designed to protect customers and their loved
ones.
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. More information about the company is
available at www.amplifon.com/corporate.
About Miracle-Ear®
Miracle-Ear, a division of Amplifon Group, has been a trusted
resource in hearing solutions for over 70 years. Headquartered in
Minneapolis, MN, Miracle-Ear specializes in customizable hearing
solutions that feature discreet, comfortable products designed to
meet each individual's hearing loss needs. Free hearing evaluations
are available at more than 1,500 franchised locations across the
U.S. For more information, visit www.miracle-ear.com.
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Communication Contacts Chad Eldred +1 (320)
333-4749 Chad.Eldred@amplifon.com
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