Do you have mask-induced-hearing-loss?
The universal use of face-masks due to Covid-19 has put an extra strain on our communication. It’s harder to hear someone when they are speaking with a mask covering their face.
The problem…
No visual cues
First, you cannot see a person’s lips, which normally give us extra clues as to what is being said. Second, there are less emotional and non-verbal cues, as less facial expressions are visible.
Speech is unclear
Speaking through a mask can distort the high pitch consonant speech sounds, making it sound as if everyone is mumbling. This can be aggravated by even a slight hearing loss.
Distant speech is softer
Social distancing is critical, but that extra gap between a speaker and listener means that the volume of speech is softer than usual.
Here’s some practical advice to facilitate easier communication…
- Have your hearing tested – even a slight loss of hearing can now be problematic
- If you have a hearing aid, make sure it has been serviced and reprogrammed recently
- Ask the person to speak slower
- Rephrase remarks if they aren’t understood
- Limit background noise – turn off music and move away from noisy traffic
- Face each other and maintain eye contact
- Be more intentional with your communication – no flippant comments while you are walking away
Make an appointment today by booking online here, visit www.sandtonhearing.co.za or call Florence on 011 463 4639
Take an online hearing screening test here, it’s free… you just need 3 minutes and some earphones.
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