In times of the Corona crisis, masks are mandatory in public spaces. While wearing a cloth mask is not a problem for most, people who are hard of hearing or deaf are at a disadvantage. You lack lip reading to communicate. Clear masks are said to solve the problem.
In times of the Corona crisis , masks are compulsory in the federal states in public transport, schools, at the doctor’s or in retail. Many people sew their own masks or use ready-made fabric masks. But for people who are hard of hearing and deaf, conventional masks are a problem. They prevent lip reading and thus limit communication enormously. To solve this problem, protective masks with a viewing window can be bought. In addition, we have a pattern for these masks.
By the way: Here you will find conventional fabric masks >>
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These shops offer protective masks for the deaf
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The mouth and nose protector consists entirely of transparent plastic so that the entire face remains visible. The reusable masks are available in two sizes and are comfortable to wear. The material is oxygen permeable and easy to clean. A mask costs around €12.
Aogoto Aogoto
masks are made of 100% eco-friendly materials and have a see-through mouth area. The set of 5 with floral patterns is available for around 13 euros.
UOWEG
The masks from UOWEG are also equipped with a transparent mouth area and are specially made for children. The carrying straps can be individually adjusted. There are many different colorful motifs in the set of 5. A set costs around 10 euros and is available here.
Liligod Liligod comes
in a pack of 4 cheerful, colorful checkered face masks with a transparent mouth area. A set costs about 8 euros.
BBTO
Well camouflaged – the face masks from BBTO are available in a cool camouflage look. The mouth and nose protection consists of a breathable fabric and has a transparent mouth area. The practical set of 8 is available for around 15 euros .
Visimask
At Visimask you can buy masks with a viewing window for about 15 euros. They are transparent in the mouth area and can be cleaned with soap and water or disinfectant after wearing.
Tailoring
The Tucer tailoring shop in Hamelin has also specialized in masks for the deaf. The protective masks with visor are also transparent and close perfectly around the mouth and nose.
iNfORMA
iNfORMA gGmbH, an association for the hearing impaired, manufactures protective masks with viewing windows on request. A mask costs 15 euros.
Safe’N’Clear
The Safe’N’Clear store sells surgical masks with viewing windows in packs of 40 for $60.
Blouses Office
The Blouses Office shop also offers masks made of cotton and with a window on request.
iuvas
The medical device company offers a transparent mask with a filter function. A mask costs about 40 euros .
TechnoMask
The Swiss shop TechnoMask offers transparent masks. They are hygienic and easy to clean, breathable and skin-friendly. A mask costs CHF 19.50, the equivalent of approx. 18 euros.
Highlight Media
The company Highlight Media, which actually specializes in laser technology, also offers transparent masks. These are available in different sizes, including for children. The mask is also designed to prevent fogging of the lenses. A mask costs 8.50 euros .
Mouth & nose masks
The mouth & nose masks shop has two masks with a viewing window on offer. They are available as “Standard” or as “Comfort”, where e.g. B. Eyeglass lenses do not fog up because the fabric is in contact with the nose. The standard mask is available from 15 euros, the comfort mask from 20 euros.
Attention: Despite the field of vision, it is still difficult for the deaf to visually perceive the lip movements of their counterpart. Masks with viewing windows can quickly fog up due to the breathing air, which makes the mouth difficult to see. Incidentally, this also applies to the transparent full face protection masks, which are often recommended as an alternative. Those affected should therefore always carry a note with communication instructions with them. In conversations with a safety distance of 1.5 meters, you can of course do without the protective mask altogether. Deaf people can draw the attention of their counterparts to this in the communication instructions.
Also interesting : These shops offer fabric masks >>
Pattern for masks with visor
If you prefer to sew your own mask with a viewing window, you will find it at Crazypatterns . The blog about crocheting, sewing, knitting and handicrafts has published a pattern for this .
Also interesting: These shops offer sustainable protective masks >>
What difficulties do hearing aid wearers face?
For deaf or hard of hearing people, conventional face masks mean an impairment in everyday life. Because the mouth and nose protection absorbs sound and prevents lip reading. In addition, hearing aids quickly become tangled in the hearing aid and it can fall out of the ear unnoticed.
According to the federal guild of hearing aid acousticians (biha), hearing aid wearers should therefore observe the following tips!
- Using both hands, pull the top straps of the mask up.
- Now pull the straps backwards.
- Finally, pull the straps up sideways to remove the mask.
- Check that your hearing aid is still properly fitted.
Which face masks are suitable for wearers of hearing aids?
- Wear a face mask that allows you to adjust the ear straps individually.
- Use masks that tie the straps together at the back of your head so you don’t get in the way of your hearing aid.
- Wear a mask with an ears hero. This is a tie that is positioned at the back of the neck and into which the straps are hung in hooks.
Sources: AOK, Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Acousticians