Mandatory masks a challenge for deaf and hearing loss community
Posted July 23, 2020 8:36 am.
Last Updated July 23, 2020 8:43 am.
CALGARY (CITYNEWS) – As masks become mandatory in cities across the country, the rule does have a downside for some. The deaf and hard of hearing community is expressing concern with the loss of one of the tools they use to understand people – reading lips.
READ MORE: Mandatory masks to be required in indoor public spaces on Aug 1
“We don’t see this anymore. We are filling the gaps from what we see in the lips and that’s been taken away from us,” said Russell Gadbury, a Calgary man who lives with hearing loss.
Another thing masks will cover up is facial expressions, which also provides a challenge for those who cannot hear the tone of voice.
“I support Calgarians wearing masks, but at the same time I don’t,” said Cindy Pilz, a Calgary woman who is deaf.
“The reason why is because its going to be a challenge and a frustration for members of the deaf community and myself.”
Gadbury, who also teaches speech reading to others who cannot hear told CityNews the world will get a little quieter as more people wear masks.
“Some of us wear hearing aids. They are an aid, but we still miss things. With COVID, we are then blanked out if we don’t see (mouth movements) anymore.
”Gadbury added the mandates should not deter the community from going out in public.
There are solutions. Deaf and Hear Alberta has partnered with a local business to create masks with a visible mouth.
It helps, but it’s not perfect, according to Alison Stutz, CEO of Deaf and Hear Alberta.
“Once you start to talk it does fog, but it does allow people to see your expression. they’re not perfect but they are helpful,” said Stutz.
Gadbury added that for people who already have a hard time hearing, normal masks make deciphering words very difficult.
“Already the brain is going to work harder to pluck that sound out of the air and try to gap fill any bits that we may be missing because of the muffling of the mask.”
Pilz added that she’d like to see transparent face shields used by front-line workers in restaurants, retailers and other public services to help with the ease of communication.
