New information on (clear) masks, for people with hearing loss

Several members of our hearing loop advocacy group have handed the attached business card to a cashier/receptionist/ticket agent with a mask on and have found people to be immediately empathetic and responsive. Sometimes you have to remind them to look at you when speaking, "Can I SEE you say that again?", but it will be a memorable and educational experience for them and should have some improved outcomes for you! And I agree, letting your seat partner know that you have trouble hearing announcements and asking them if would they please let you know if anything vital has been said will always be met with a good response. Chances are they won't hear it either, the sound systems are so bad!

...also wouldnt it be great if at least one of the staff/employees, instead of a mask, perhaps had one of those clear plastic face shields? however I understand they are not quite a good at containing covid germs...however, seeing that some people refuse, choose or cannot wear masks, perhaps the clear face shield is better than nothing? my daughter bought me one to wear in the house for the short time she visits to drop off things and I kept forgetting it was on, so clear, and went to put food in my mouth only to have it hit the shield!!!

I agree with Ginevra's comments, below. I always carry an ample supply of the cards that she shows, attached. When I hand one of those cards to anyone, there is instant compassion and understanding, rather than frustration. I have not flown yet, since Covid, but I would make sure to have a supply and would hand them to every single person I come in contact with...to explain my situation in a simple, understandable way. I have had excellent results, asking people to just step back slightly and pull down their masks. Some people do it without even being asked, once they read my card. I can't say enough about how this has helped me survive these masked times with dignity and comfort.

You've already received the suggestions I would have made. Definitely download a speech to text app on your cell phone and use it. Be sure to practice using it beforehand.

It's very important to be upfront about your hearing loss with the flight attendants, etc. Even with the passengers you may sit with. Let them know you lipread and are handicapped by the mask issue. You want them to understand what you're doing with your phone.

This is why members of HLAA have advocated for years that hearing loop technology and written notices be standard at airports and in other places where one has to be able to understand communication to know what is going on. It's difficult for us even without the masks.

I agree about clear around the mouth. Buying one for myself doesn't help. Would be great if one of a group of employees would wear one. If my pharmacist would it would be terrific. They won't even lower, and get angry to come over and have to write something down. ...

I agree about clear around the mouth. Buying one for myself doesn't help. Would be great if one of a group of employees would wear one. If my pharmacist would it would be terrific. They won't even lower, and get angry to come over and have to write something down. ...

Thank you, I have iphone bc it works with my hearing aids, but I will look for speech to text app. I'm so concerned when I delay people but I'll find one and practice. Thanks for telling me about the other suggestions, I will use them all.

I am always disappointed with the lack of loop tech in many places. The Getty doesn't even use it except in one auditorium. None of the walking displays have it, so their crummy headphones is the only way. I always fantasize that I knew a Senator very well and that person would push through better tech for all public locations, especially airports.

Hello again. Not sure where 'the Getty' is, but I know that the only reason loop tech gets installed in some places is because the people who know about it advocate for it. That starts with educating others. Sounds easy. I know it's not. But seriously, in areas where 'communication access' is available, someone made it happen. HLAA deserves a lot of credit for that, but many others do too.