Face masks, hearing loss & hearing aids
Unfortunately, Covid19 has continued to wreck havoc across the world into 2022 & wearing face masks looks to be in place for quite some time to come. We know that this can cause issues for those that wear behind the ear hearing aids. The use of a face mask with elastic worn around the ears can cause irritation on the ear as well as an increased risk of losing your hearing aid or broken tubing when you flick your mask off.
Teleaudiology Services
We’re committed to ensuring that you stay connected & up to date with your hearing health. Telehealth appointments are available for selective hearing services. This remote service is available from the comfort of your own home at a time that is suitable for you. These services include:
- Completing your annual review
- Receiving remote adjustment support, fittings & adjusting to your hearing aid settings remotely (available for selected hearing aids only)
- Discussing any hearing & communication concerns you may have
- Purchasing new hearing aids &/or equipment
- Renewing your battery & maintenance plan through the HSP
- Attending follow up appointment over the phone
- 3 month post-fitting reviews
For any questions regarding our telehealth services or to make an appointment at any of our Advanced Hearing WA clinics located across the South West, simply give our main Busselton clinic a call on 08 9751 1899
Here are our five solutions that may help prevent problems when wearing hearing aids and face masks:
- If you have long hair, keep it tied back in a pony tail or bun.
- Rather than looping the elastic of the mask around your ears, source a button extension for the mask which wraps around the back of your head. (These can be made or purchased).
- Try to purchase reusable masks that have four strings & ties that wrap around your head as opposed to looping around your ears.
- Always check that your hearing aids are still in place during & following the removal of your mask.
- Remove your mask at home so if the hearing aids fall to the ground they can be easily found.
- If your hearing aid is compatible with a smart phone, you may be able to use an app to detect a lost hearing aid
Communicating effectively whilst wearing a mask
Speak clearly and a little more loudly and slowly than usual. Exaggerates shouting or slowness can diminish sound clarity and can be counterproductive
Make sure that your hearing aids are turned on
Ensure that you are the facing the listener, have the listener’s attention & are maintaining appropriate eye contact
Reduce or remove background noise where possible
Consider using alternative communication methods, just as a text message on your phone or simply writing your message down
Use simply hand gestures & body language, like a thumbs up or down