Tips for Wearing a Face Mask With Hearing Aids

Face masks secured behind the ears can be problematic for those with hearing aids as they can disrupt the devices or even knock them off completely. So, we have put together a few tips on avoiding these problems and safely wearing both!

• Use something else to anchor your mask. You can DIY a mask strap/extender using a piece of fabric or ribbon that is about 4 inches long and sewing buttons on either end of the material. Then, when you need to wear a mask, you place the strap behind your head and hook the mask’s elastic loops over the buttons rather than over your ears. You can also purchase mask straps/extenders on sites like Amazon.

• Opt for a mask that ties rather than one with elastic straps. While the material of a tie-on mask may still fall near the ears, the straps are adjustable, giving the wearer more flexibility to maneuver around hearing aids, glasses, etc.

• Remove the mask carefully, and be sure to check that your hearing aids are still in place. Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be knocked out when removing a face mask. So, it is essential to make sure they are still in place when you take off a mask.

When you are wearing a mask, communication can become a little tricker. Here are a few recommendations to make sure that you and the people you are conversing with hear as much as possible!

• Speak slowly, clearly, and at a normal volume

• Rephrase remarks when not understood

• Keep background noise to a minimum

• Take turns when speaking

• Face each other (at a safe distance)

For more tips on navigating hearing impairments during COVID-19, check out this blog post on how to have better video calls and be sure to follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages.