6 ways to communicate better while you wear a mask

Quieter environments and texting can make connecting easier

 Consider a face mask with a clear window, which can make reading lips easier.

Social distancing and face masks are necessary for preventing the spread of COVID-19. But they can also make communication more difficult for the 37.5 million U.S. adults with hearing problems.

Masks make it difficult for individuals who are hard-of-hearing to read lips and see facial expressions that help them understand what others are saying. Masks and social distancing also muffle or soften voices, making it tough to understand speech even for people with normal hearing.

The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders has a helpful guide on best practices for communicating during COVID-19. Below are a few key takeaways:

  1. Consider a face mask with a clear window. These masks use a clear insert, so a person’s mouth and lips are visible, which makes lip-reading easier.
  2. Be loud and clear. Is the person you’re talking to having trouble understanding you? Speak slower and louder (without shouting) than you normally would. Focus on speaking clearly.
  3. Be patient. Masks and social distancing decrease the sound and obscure the visual cues that help us communicate. It’s frustrating even for those with normal hearing and more so for those who are hard-of-hearing. Be compassionate.
  4. Turn down the background volume. Background noise can make conversation especially hard to understand. When possible, move to a quieter spot or turn down the sound.
  5. Use another method. If speech is too hard to understand, use another method—a smartphone or paper and pen—to get your message across.
  6. Bring a friend or be a friend. If it’s essential that you understand spoken details—for example, during a discussion with a health care provider—consider bringing a friend or family member with you to listen and take notes. Or offer to accompany a friend with hearing difficulties to an important appointment or meeting and be their second set of ears.

Source: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication DisordersImage credit: Adobe Stock

 February 09, 2021

addrc

Recent Posts

The Potential Impact of Brain Glucose Levels on the Manifestation of ADHD Symptoms

While the exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, researchers have been investigating various…

1 week ago

Unique Reading Challenges Faced by Individuals with ADHD                                       

It's essential to understand the unique reading challenges faced by individuals with ADHD to explore practical strategies

2 weeks ago

What Can an ADHD Coach Do For Me That I Can’t Do for Myself?

This article will explore the role of an ADHD coach, the benefits of working with…

2 weeks ago

I Don’t Know How to Break a Task Down into Smaller Pieces, Even Though Many People Recommend It for Someone with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) poses unique challenges for task management and productivity. One common…

2 weeks ago

Challenges Faced by Blind Individuals with ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects an individual's ability to focus, control…

2 weeks ago