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

Why COVID masks are especially troublesome with wired behind the ear h

I pulled off my COVID mask, hooked it on one ear wire and managed to break it so I could not hear. It is infuriating to contemplate a whole backup set of aides to cover me in case this happens again. Nothing prepares a person for the high cost of hearing aides that need to be replaced every four years or so.

@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?

I went to Miracle Ear and insurance covered part.

Nurseheadakes…. How would I get three of your masks. I would like to have them available when my daughter and spouses visit so I can perhaps more easily be part of the conversation. How much are the masks? Judy

I can send them to you – they are free of charge under the grant that we use to make them. Here was the announcement on the National website about my campaign when I first started. In 2021, we no longer have a grant but are making them through sponsorship with our Chapter. You can contact me by email and I will send you what you need. Eloise

I am tempted to see about getting your masks but I have a question, perhaps because I don't remember what they look like. Did you share a photo or just description? I am wondering how safe a person who wants to feel her mask is the safest (my friend is that way) would feel with your mask?

nurseheadakes Eloise! Please ignore my comment regarding knowing more about your masks because I just found your comments along with your beautiful photo!

That's alright… That's why I put out the Website so you can see the clear masks which are hand made to allow for reading lips and allowing our hearing aids to stay on our heads. Eloise

@nurseheadakes Now I've had a chance to read what you wrote about your masks. Good that you have the wire above the nose. Does the length of the mask cover the chin area and kind of cling to the neck area?

Thank you for the much needed chuckle!!!