Guide to wearing a face mask with hearing aids
With thanks to one of the world's leading hearing technology companies, Phonak, we have a useful guide to share explaining ways to wear a face mask alongside your hearing aids, for both adult and pediatric patients.As of this week, face coverings have become mandatory on public transport in England. It is therefore so important to be able to wear them comfortably, and in a way which won't interfere with your hearing technology. We have summarised the helpful suggestions below, with links to download the more detailed PPE guidance from Phonak.
Ways to wear a face mask with hearing aids for adults
The guide from Phonak shows the various types of face masks available, including tie-on face masks, N95 respirator masks and the more common type, a face mask with an elastic band.
Face Masks with Elastic Bands
For elastic band face masks which are designed to go around the ear, there are a number of ways you can make adaptations to avoid looping it around the ear, where it may interfere with your hearing aid. Below is a summary of the suggestions from Phonak with a link to the full guidance document below.
Option 1 - Use a mask extender, such as a paperclip, shoelace or ribbon.
Option 2 - Sew two buttons onto either side of a hat
Option 3 - Attach the mask via a ponytail
Option 4 - Attach the face mask to a headband or alice band using buttons
Option 5 - Attach face mask to a barrette / hair clip above the ear
Ways to wear a face mask with hearing aids for Children
The best way to keep hearing aids secure when wearing a mask is to put the hearing aids on first and the mask second. This way the hearing aids stay in place with the elastic in front of themThe above options would also work well for children, such as attaching the face mask to a sweatband, hairclip or ponytail.It's important to also try to make mask wearing fun for children, as they can seem a little scary at first. The Phonak guide lists some ways to make mask-wearing fun for children with hearing aids, including:
Putting a face mask on their favourite doll or stuffed animal
Have them dress up as their favourite superhero, including the mask
Design their own face mask with a fun print
Provide lots of reassurance
Refer to additional resources from the WHO, including a book for children to learn about COVID-19 and wearing masks.
Tips for speaking to someone with hearing loss while wearing a face mask
It can be challenging for someone with a hearing loss to hear you when you are wearing a face mask. Phonak have provided some tips to help:
Reduce environmental noise
Obtain the persons attention before you start speaking
Speak slowly
Ask them how they prefer to communicate
Rephrase remarks if not understood
Do not shout, over-emphasize or over-exagerate your words
Be patient, kind and courteous.