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COVID Raises Extra Challenges for the Hearing Impaired Communicator Masks Help the Hard of Hearing Community Contact Name: Christina DeFrancisco Contact Email: cdefrancisco@earrf.org Contact Phone Number: 9415564219 “Blindness separates people from things…deafness separates us from people” - Helen Keller Communication is always vital and even more so in this pandemic time, with mask mandates. It represents many challenges, particularly for those with hearing impairment. Lip reading is an unconscious help in communicating for everyone, but very important to those with hearing issues. Hence, another roadblock arises with the mandatory need for wearing masks. Traditional masks cover the mouth and nose rendering lip reading impossible. Not only is lip reading a problem; the masks that band around the ear are very uncomfortable for hearing aid wearers. Additionally, all too often, when the wearer removes the mask the hearing aid comes flying off - sometimes to disappear. To address these issues, we devised a mask that boasts a large plastic mouth cover and adjustable strings that go higher above the ear and lower on the back of the neck. The mask is comfortable, clear, and effective. The design of the mask not only assists with lip reading, it helps those who wear hearing aids. The mask straps do not go behind the ears, causing them to pull or catch on hearing devices. “When a person has a hearing loss, a family has a hearing problem.” - Dr. Paul Ross For more information call the Ear Research Foundation at (941) 556 4219, or visit us at 1901 Floyd St Sarasota, FL 34239. www.EarRF.org Ear Research Foundation In 1979, the Ear Research Foundation was established in Sarasota, Florida by President and Founder, Dr. Herbert Silverstein. The Foundation was created out of his desire to continue research and development, and to contribute to medical education in a private setting. In the field of Otolaryngology. A non-profit 5O1C-3 organization, Ear Research provides essential and innovative research, educational sessions to inform the community about hearing health and to train professionals in the field, and community care for people in need of hearing devices and care who could not otherwise afford it.