How do you manage wearing a facemask with hearing aids?

Here's the link to the article by @nurseheadakes https://www.hearingloss.org/why-clear-masks/

Thanks for finding the link @mediachick. I noticed that you wished to post the URL. You will be able to add URLs to your posts in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. Clearly the link you wanted to post is not spam, so I posted it for you. 🙂

Sure - After my Team worked on a number of different types of masks and used different types of plastic/vinyl with our sewing machines...we came up with this better mask.
For the window - use the plastic paper sleeves that we all use for school. They come in different weights. The best types are the medium weight since the heavy weight is too much for the sewing machine to go through and the thin is too flimsy for the mask after washing them. You can cut them with your scissors without harm into the sizes appropriate for this pattern that I have attached. See attached file.
This is the video that goes with this pattern:

There is no captioning or words. You will need to watch the video a number of time to get the feel for how to make the mask but after a few times and reading through the written pattern - you will get the hang of how we are making the Clear Windowed mask. One of my pictures - the ironing board one - shows how they look. [This one is fewer steps than the previous one which was 6 pages long!] Eloise

Here's a photo of my favorite Starbucks barista with a window mask on. She's my granddaughter, who just graduated from college, and is still working there part time. I asked her to wear one that I had, wondering if she would be OK with it. She could hardly wait to use it. FYI, I like the solid colors with the window masks. It's less distracting and a good smile doesn't get lost in the fabric design. 🙂

@julieo4
Ah that’s great and a pretty smile too. I miss the facial expressions with masks. Some people have expressive eyes that crinkle up when they smile.
Someone smiles at you then you smile back....So we have to devise other ways of smiling. That’s why I love this type of masks. Looks like she’s got a nice set of choppers there too lol. And congrats on graduating ....I guess all graduates will be know as the Covid Class in history. Hope it’s just 2020.

FL Mary

Thank you Mary. I agree about the facial expressions that matter. The eyes tell a lot. And, yes, it was a very different year for college graduates. Two of our granddaughters graduated. This one is a very talented theater graduate with no jobs in sight. Had some excellent opportunities for internships but all were cancelled. Glad she's worked at Starbucks during summers. They were happy to have her back. Hope it's temporary. The other one is in retail management. Right now that's not so good either. Nothing like getting your college grads back to live at home for a while. No ceremonies, no extra activities and a sudden ending to their senior year. They definitely won't forget 2020. Hoping for the best in the future.

@julieo4. Yes, graduates of high school and college would have something to tell their grandchildren. Also college freshmen are facing uncertainties too. Some went to campus only to be told they are shutting down due to virus. This is not an easy time for our young people. My heart goes out to them and their families. I remember how excited i was sending my children off to college. Shopping for their dorm needs and meeting their roomates.

Yes. I think we are going to be dealing with a lot of mental health issues in the future that we haven't even thought of. So many kids depend on sports, theater, music, and other extra curricular activities to keep busy. They are going to be isolated in ways never thought of, even though so many have been addicted to their cell phones for years. Teachers are going to have challenges they never dreamed of with all the online teaching. I hope and pray an effective vaccine will be found as soon as possible.

Congrats and thanks @joyces for your weekly bread deliveries to the "older" folks. I'm laughing with you and liking your sense of humor. Age is just a state of mind until our bones start telling us otherwise, yes? Good for you and the work you are doing.

@nurseheadakes, How wonderful that you make windowed masks for those needing them and how lovely your generous offer and reply to @sparklegram. The nicest people are found in Mayo Connect groups!

@nurseheadakes, These look like a great solution for those needing this particular type! Kudos!!