Mask Tips for Those with Hearing Loss or Dementia

Ann* walked to the car outside her retirement residence. It was the first time she had been out in months. She had donned her cloth mask patterned with leaves, berries, and forest creatures. This outing was imperative and had already been delayed—she had a medical appointment to check if her cancer had returned. Upon arriving at the hospital, which had far fewer people than usual, she used hand sanitizer, which was available at every turn. At the clinic, it took Ann a moment to recognize her doctor—she wasn’t used to seeing his face partially covered.

Wearing a Mask

Research published in The Lancet indicates that social distancing reduces the risk of transmitting COVID-19 by 90% and wearing a mask decreases the risk by 65%. If we want our loved ones and community members to be safe and to slow the spread of the virus, it is imperative that we all wear masks when out in public. Keep in mind that wearing a mask does not replace social distancing.

Masks should securely and comfortably cover both your nose and mouth. They should not have to be readjusted once you are wearing them in public.

While most people should wear masks, some are excluded from this recommendation.  Children under two years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing due to another condition, and anyone who cannot remove a mask without assistance should not wear one.

Masks and Hearing Impairments

Masks pose challenges for people who are deaf and rely on lip-reading and facial expressions to communicate. It is important to be aware of this and to be prepared to speak louder and lower—often when people raise their voices, they also raise their pitch and most people with hearing loss have high-frequency hearing loss. Be sure to make eye contact. Hand gestures may also facilitate communication.

For individuals with hearing impairments, it may be helpful to write “hearing impaired” on your mask. It is also important to use a connector to hold it in place rather than ear loops that may interfere with hearing aids.

Masks for People with Dementia

If your loved one has dementia, but can still safely wear a mask, there are a variety of things you can do to help them:

• Use simple words to explain why people are wearing masks. Be prepared to repeat this.
• Demonstrate putting a mask on.
• Give your loved one time to adjust to wearing a mask. Try practicing wearing the mask at home for short periods of time, gradually increasing the length of time, before it is necessary to wear it in the community.

It may be disorienting for people with cognitive impairments to see others in masks. Be sure to identify yourself, provide reassurance, and consider other ways to cue your loved one to who you are.

Caring for Your Mask

We have had to adjust to wearing masks very quickly. Here are some tips to safely remove your mask:

• Upon returning home, wash your hands
• Do not touch your face or the front of the mask
• Remove the mask by grasping the ear loops or untying it
• Put it in the laundry immediately
• Wash your hands again

Disposable masks should be used once and then thrown away. Cloth masks should be washed in hot water and dried on a high setting. Alternatively, you can hand-wash the mask in hot, soapy water for at least twenty seconds before drying it on high heat. Consider using unscented detergent if you have sensitive skin.

Doctor Visits During COVID-19

If you and your loved ones are feeling well, postpone unnecessary doctor visits or find out if telemedicine is an option. If prescription renewals are required, pharmacists can usually contact doctors’ offices to coordinate this. If it is necessary to attend an appointment, you should wear a mask.

If emergency care is required, do not delay seeking medical attention. Emergency departments follow strict protocols to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare providers.

Although going to the hospital was daunting for Ann, she quickly became confident that she was in a safe environment. Thankfully, Ann’s cancer had not returned, but the ongoing possibility that it could made it all the more important that she continue to follow every precaution to minimize potential exposure to COVID-19.

*name changed to maintain anonymity.