That is why I sew clear masks with elastic that swing around the head instead of the ears. I have been doing this since COVID first came around. I have a new funding source to help this cause.... Let me know how I can help you. Eloise

If yours have a nose clip, I would send a modest amount for a few washable ones

They are hand washable, line dry and have the nose wire inside for adjusting over the nose. They are the clear windowed masks Here is where you can find me...National Website with my article
Why Clear Masks? August 19, 2020
https://www.hearingloss.org/why-clear-masks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HLAANews+%28HLAA+News%29

This problem is very real. I know three people who have lost hearing aids when they pulled off masks after leaving retail establishments. By the time they realized the hearing aid was missing, they were unable to find it. Those of us with severe/profound hearing loss would likely notice this right away, but those with less severe hearing losses may not realize the device is off.

I have devised masks that tie behind my head. Obviously, those that are handed out for use will not have that option, so you have to plan ahead. It's a real pain with a cochlear implant processor due to the wire that runs from the BTE processor to the coil a few inches above it. Be innovative. we CAN figure this out. The masks that Nurse Headaches is creating that have transparent inserts are wonderful because those of us with hearing loss can see a speakers lip movements. We all depend on lip reading whether we realize it or not. BUT, we need other people to wear those transparent masks, we don't necessarily need to use them ourselves unless we are around other people who have hearing loss. We all look forward to the day when masks are no longer necessary. Meanwhile, try hard to find ways to make them work! Statement from a Mayo MD: There is less influenza this year than was expected. This is likely a result of mask wearing preventing the spread of the annual flu virus. Sometimes good comes from bad. Hang in there everyone!

I agree - the statement came out about less flu but more covid...all the same - Wear your masks. I always giver out two masks for the user and the caregiver since there are always two in a conversation. Let me know and I will be part of this conversation as I have been in 2020. Eloise

@coppermoon Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, a place to give and get support.

You have broken your hearing aid while utilizing a COVID-19 mask.

You will notice that I added your question to a previous discussion related to COVID-19 masks and hearing loss.

I did this so you could connect with members like @akalsas @tonyinmi @golden418 @ken82 @imallears that have already discussed this topic and may be able to offer suggestions and/or support.

I'm wondering if there is an alternate way to wear a mask (not behind the ears) so you are less likely to damage your hearing aids?