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

Thanks! I'm going to give it a try!

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.

I don't really care if clear masks transmit the sound well. I just need to see their mouth-lips. It's instantaneous, and such a relief to see the lips. Like turning a light on.

We have encouraged a local pharmacy to add a hearing loop at the prescription counseling desk. At the moment it is a portable, but they plan to install one here and at their exterior pick up window. We believe the Plexiglas is here to stay -- and that HIPPA gets violated when they yell out the instructions to patients!

@happytobehere
Don’t be concerned about delaying anyone...we are talking seconds and minutes here to communicate what you need. Think about the difficulty people have when they don’t speak the native language.
Keep your phone handy...You’ll be a pro at this before you leave.
And...keep a smile on your face even though they can’t see it...your eyes will communicate. Be assertive when you have to and ignore impatient people. Regular hearing people tell me they have trouble understanding with masks.

FL Mary

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.

I agree. The Getty museum is in LA and they have tons of money. I tried to convince them but to no avail. Then we left LA. Even my audiologist at House Ear Clinic said people weren’t asking for the feature bc so few places have it. It needs more than me.

Yes, it needs more than you or me. There are HLAA chapters all over CA. I'm surprised they haven't done more to advocate on this. A big problem, though, is that the people who fit hearing aids don't take time to tell their patients about telecoils and loops. They push BlueTooth instead. It's a shame. Areas where people have rallied to get loops installed have effected positive change, but "it takes a village"! Think about it.... It's pretty hard to ask for a feature if you don't know it exists. People who get hearing aids and don't know about this option are being short changed.

I agree with this. Important is an advocacy attitude- be your own best advocate- even if you are reserved, timid or scared, know that others want to help, but they don't read minds. Ask for help and learn ways to help yourself through apps and assisting listening devices that work - some even for those with profound hearing challenges @

Update from plane trip!!!!!
What a great trip thanks to everyone’s suggestions. The first TSA looked at me and said do you need anything?? I showed him the card and said it’s been awhile since traveling. He watched me through the line and moved to front to make sweeping gestures where I should go -took his mask down and smiled! Then I had to do second X-ray. Same thing. Big gestures where to stand. Then they needed to open my carry-on. She put her mask down to ask if it was ok 👍. Then gate guy was nice. Told me when to machine beeped (I’m guessing) and to remove my phone for boarding. And FINALLY the steward also took down his mask and said he would be happy to help me. And double checked if I had a connecting flight.

Thank you all! I get it now! I am confident I can handle situations and realize most of issue was my own fear of the unknown! - when I was young and conquered something I’d say ‘Now on to the Presidency!’ Haha 😛 Thank you all again!