Seeing that this is a challenge, we will guide you on wearing your hearing aids and face mask appropriately.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made face masks a must-have accessory when out in public to prevent further spread of the virus. Unfortunately, face masks and hearing aids have become a tricky combination. Firstly, it’s more difficult for anyone to understand a person speaking to you when wearing a face mask. Secondly, people with hearing aids find it difficult as the ear bands tug onto the hearing gadgets, making them loose. Patients with hearing aids now have difficulty when wearing hearing aids: removing, adjusting, or wearing a face mask without tampering with the gadget’s sitting position in the ears.
Seeing that this is a challenge, we will guide you on wearing your hearing aids and face mask appropriately.
Be selective with your face masks
Face masks with tight elastic bands that go around your ears to fit the mask can be quite problematic if you have hearing aids. Consider shopping for masks with soft fabric ties that relieve the pressure on the ear and give more space for the hearing aids to sit. You can also shop for designs with four strings that go behind the head rather than around the ears.
Take advantage of mask holders or button extensions
If you find elastic ear loops stressful, consider adding another accessory to your face mask. Button extensions are worn near the back of the head and ideally hold together the bands leaving adequate space for the hearing aids to sit in. They also reduce interference with your hearing aids when removing, wearing, or adjusting the face mask.
Tie around your hair bun
Another quick hack is to pull your hair in a bun at the top of your head and tie the elastic loops around the hair bun. The hair bun should act as the loops’ main anchoring point rather than your ears. This should reduce interference of the hearing aids.
Remove the mask slowly and carefully
Avoid removing your face mask in public or in a hurry to avoid yanking out the hearing aids and losing them. If your hearing aids are compatible with a smartphone, you might want to link it to a phone app that will help you detect the hearing aids’ location in case they fall off and get lost. Always confirm that your hearing aids are still in position during or following face mask removal.
While face masks are making seamless communication a problem whether or not you are a hearing aid wearer, hearing aid experts recommend using body language, slower speech rates, and maintaining eye contact to complement better communication. Do you need hearing loss help today? Don’t hesitate to give us a call and schedule an appointment with the experts.
