TYH: Sometimes it’s hard to hear through a mask, here’s what you need to know

So how do we go about talking to someone hard of hearing while continuing to practice our COVID-19 safety? Well, Corbett has some suggestions. “As the speaker, there are some things we can be aware of,” said Corbett in an on-camera interview with us.

Corbett says speaking a little louder can help overcome the muffling effect of the mask, however, raising your voice at someone wearing hearing aids is counterintuitive as it will not help them hear you clearly–as hearing aids turn up the volume for the user. Slowing your speech can be helpful and even engaging them into more of a conversation to ensure that the person is understanding what you are saying–something Corbett says is even more important in a medical scenario.

“If the person didn’t understand it, it can have significant implications.”–Shelley Corbett, Audiologist, Prince George Hearing Centre

“Ask the person to repeat what they heard,” says Corbett. “Rather than saying, hey did you understand what I just said?–Many times someone who is hearing impaired is going to say “oh yeah”…but they really didn’t get it all.”

There are face shields that can be used at a safe distance from the individual, which would allow those with hearing issues to be able to read the movement of your lips as you speak. Using different words can also be beneficial if you are repeating yourself to someone hard of hearing; instead of using the word “little” using the word “small” may be better visually–whether you are wearing a mask or shield.

“What I often find we innately do is when we pick up the cues that someone is not hearing us, we talk louder and we talk like they’re not bright.”–Shelley Corbett, Audiologist, Prince George Hearing Centre

Remembering to be respectful of those who are hearing impaired is important, says Corbett. She says sometimes her patients will say that they feel like they’re being treated as stupid for not being able to hear clearly.

For those who are hearing impaired Corbett has some tips on how to ensure that you set yourself up for success. If you have an important financial or medical meeting, she suggests bringing a friend or family member to help in case they miss anything, asking for written instruction, and lastly not being afraid of asking someone to repeat themselves.

by Veronica Beltran

TYH: Sometimes it’s hard to hear through a mask, here’s what you need to know

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