Tips for Wearing Hearing Aids With a Face Mask

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”15px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Wearing hearing aids and masks simultaneously can present several challenges for the wearer. Now that face masks are a mandatory requirement in public spaces to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, it seems to be an avoidable situation for some. While compulsory masks can make things more difficult for people with hearing aids, there are some tips and recommendations available to make the process a little smoother.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Challenges of Wearing Masks with Hearing Aids” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Challenges of Wearing Masks with Hearing Aids

Individuals compelled to wear a mask and a hearing aid at the same time are generally faced with two major complications:

Communication becomes more difficult when wearing a face mask
Face masks with ear loops can present problems when being removed

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Communication” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Communication

Having a conversation with another person while you are both wearing masks is strenuous enough even without the consideration of hearing loss. Not being able to see another person’s mouth when they are talking can be tricky even for individuals with perfect hearing. People affected by hearing loss often become even more reliant on lip movements for better comprehension.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Ear Loop Face Masks” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Ear Loop Face Masks

The most common and practical type of face mask readily available for the purposes of preventing the spread of infection is typically fitted with ear loops for easy donning. This can pose a problem for people with hearing aids when removing this type of mask. It is in some ways similar to the challenge of wearing hearing aids with eye glasses but significantly more problematic. Aside from complications with mask removal, face masks with ear loops can also cause irritations while being worn with hearing aids.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Recommendations for Wearing Face Masks with Hearing Aids” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Recommendations for Wearing Face Masks with Hearing Aids

There are many suggested practices that can help ease the burden and hindrances of having to wear a face mask with your hearing aids.

Some helpful tips include:

Remove your mask slowly and carefully
Masks with ear loops should be pulled up instead of forward for removal to prevent snagging
Always check to make sure your hearing aid is still intact after removing the mask
Masks with ties instead of loops may be safer and more practical
Masks holders can also be worn to keep loops off the back of the ear
Contact a hearing professional for tips on best mask type for your specific hearing aid

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

This style of hearing aid may be the most challenging when worn in congruence with a face mask. It is not recommended to wear an ear loop mask without a mask holder with behind-the-ear hearing aids to keep the strings away from the device. Masks that tie around the back of the neck or neck gaiters may also be a viable solution.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”For People with Long Hair” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

For People with Long Hair

Long hair can add further complications to the hearing aid plus mask dilemma, but it can also work in your favor to keep ear loops off the back of the ears. Typing your hair in a pony tail or bun can serve as an anchor for ear loops, keeping them away from hearing aids.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Mask Extenders and Ear Gear” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Mask Extenders and Ear Gear

There are several options for employing mask extenders to keep ear loops off the back of the ear. Button or strap extenders are available depending on your preference. A simple tool like a plastic S-hook will also serve the purpose.

Ear Gear hearing aid covers can also be very helpful when wearing a mask. They are form fitting spandex sleeves that slide right over your hearing aid, providing an extra layer of comfort and protection.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Assistance From a Hearing Professional” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Assistance From a Hearing Professional

Consulting a hearing professional, like the experts at Hear at Home, can be extremely useful to determine the best course of action for your particular situation. Hearing professionals can assist with hearing aids and assistive listening devices to optimize your hearing capability.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||25px||false|false” animation_style=”fade” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=”30px” admin_label=”Communication Tips for Hearing Aids with Face Masks” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ header_2_font_size=”28px” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Communication Tips for Hearing Aids with Face Masks

Whether you are wearing hearing aids or communicating with a person with a hearing aid device, there are some simple practices to make the exchange easier.