No masks at the hearing center I went to

Please let's stay out of 'political'. Thank you. Unusual that hearing healthcare providers would not be using masks. However, there has been so much concern and complaining from the hard of hearing population about how masks are creating huge barriers for them. They definitely are. Why not write a note to the provider you went to and tell them what concerned you. Then mention that transparent masks are available, also clear plastic shields. Yesterday I had to go into a Verizon store to have a cell phone issue corrected. All of the customer service reps were wearing plastic shields. It was very helpful and I told them how much it mattered to me. Masks not only create barriers to lip reading. Many who have to wear them at work are getting acne from wearing them all day, and others are having problems with allergy related to the elastic that holds them on their ears. Not making excuses, just saying.

Much simpler when you live in a state where everyone is required to wear masks inside public places and outside if they aren't 6' apart. Lots of times, you see someone start to head for a store, turn around to get the mask they forgot. masks have been mandatory here for months, and, aside from a big outbreak due to a seafood processing plant, we've had fewer cases/deaths than most places. Even after big weekends here on the coast for tourism, we haven't had the outbreaks one might expect. The last couple of weeks, many people wore masks to filter out some of the smoke and ash...different reason to wear a mask.

Tell me who they are and I will send them some of my clear masks. I am out fitting our Sun City Center FL township with them so that no one has to go without. The hard of hearing, their caregivers, the businesses that interact with the hard of hearing and anyone who asks. You can find me on the HLAA National website. Eloise

@raykraemer, you can also send @nurseheadakes with contact information of the hearing center. (Find how to send a private message here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/)

Eloise, good on you for combatting this by sending clear masks. Love it!

Thank you all - I have had requests from many different sources and don't mind. It 's the right thing to do since it sends a loving message. This package is ready to go and it helps them see why it helps all of us and them. IT's a win-win situation. Stay safe and lets hear well.