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How do you manage wearing a facemask with hearing aids?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Sep 17, 2023 | Replies (99)Comment receiving replies
I'm a new user of hearing aids and I'm having a problem with taking masks off and finding the hearing aid is being pulled loose. I suppose I was thinking that the aids would be a bit more sturdy and stay in better. Any suggestions would be appreciated (short of using duct tape😉).
Replies to "I'm a new user of hearing aids and I'm having a problem with taking masks off..."
Teresa, great question about negotiating face masks and hearing aids, especially if they're new.
I moved your post to this discussion where you'll find many helpful tips from fellow members like @sparklegram @sueinmn @robinraig @maryella7 @joyces @imallears @nurseheadakes and others
- How do you manage wearing a facemask with hearing aids? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/coronavirus-mask-interferes-with-hearing-aids/
Looks like you won't have to wear duct tape. 😉
I know your problem, as I have behind the ear hearing aids as well. If one is wearing a mask for protection, then there are two quality masks that protect against Covid. They are the N95 and the KN95 respirator masks. All N95 masks go over the head while the KN95 have ear loops. I use N95 masks because they go over the head and therefore do no cause a problem with my hearing aids. Forget all the other masks as they do not offer anywhere the same protection. If a person has health issues, then stock up on the N95/KN95 masks now that they are available.
It looks like you're getting some good information and ideas. The mask issue has been a huge problem for people who wear BTE hearing aids for response you identify. There have been a lot of lost hearing aids during COVID protocol.
Even worse, the masks 'mask' speech reading because the speaker's lips are covered. Needless to say, this is a big barrier for those who depended on facial expressions to interpret speech from others.
I created masks that tied behind my head when I needed to wear them. A friend of mine created some that had circular elastic that went around the head rather than around the ears. Both worked.
Best advice is to be very careful when you remove a mask that fits around the ears if you have BTE hearing aids.
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Hi Teresa @hopeful33250, I think you might want to try a different type of face mask. I saw this article discussing the problem you are having.
"If you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids, you may encounter problems trying to wear a standard face mask with elastic ear loops. The loops may tug at the wire or tube that goes from the body of the hearing aid down to your ear. You also may inadvertently pull your hearing aids out and lose them when removing your mask."
-- Face masks, hearing loss and hearing aids: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53084-Face-masks-and-hearing-aids
The article above links to this one - A Design Fix for Face Masks: https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/a-design-fix-for-face-masks
Hope this helps....