Overcoming COVID-19 Communication Barriers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is quickly having to adapt to new ways to stay safe. The Social Distancing Guidelines and the Mask Requirement are presenting new challenges for the Hard of Hearing population.

Many Deaf and Hard of Hearing people depend on lip reading to communicate. Masks present a challenge because not only do they conceal the lips, the masks also muffle sound. This challenge, in addition to six feet of distance (often in background noise) is making it difficult to communicate effectively, even for people with normal hearing thresholds…

Here are some tips for improving communication when communicating with someone wearing a mask:

• GESTURE!

• Opt for a face shield or clear mask,if possible. Now more than ever people will appreciate being able to see your lips and smile 🙂

• If you have hearing aids, wear them! Additionally, carry extra batteries or your charger with you for extended wear.

• If your hearing aids connect to your cell phone, be mindful that your phone is charged so you can easily access volume and program controls.

• Download a transcription app to caption live voice: here are a few voice-to-text apps that have been well reviewed: Dragon Anywhere, Google Assistant, Speech to Text, Speechnotes, and SpeechTexter

• Carry pen/maker and paper with you to write notes, if necessary. Makers can make it easier to read from a distance.

• If you’re going to an essential doctors appointment, prepare by having a typed or written list of medications or concerns. If you have a hard time understanding your provider, ask them to pull up a word document and type in large text on the computer screen

If you have found additional effective communication strategies, share them with us on our Facebook page.