For those that are deaf and hard of hearing, the coronavirus pandemic has presented new challenges to communication, including a lack of sign-language interpreters during public briefings and the use of masks, which obscure the mouth. Despite the rush to make masks with a clear panel so that the lips are visible, some in the deaf community have expressed concern about their functionality, according to an article on Yahoo News.

Some have said that the masks can fog up while being used, and others have said that lip reading presents enough of a challenge, even without a mask, that the clear masks probably won’t make a significant difference in understanding.

Many deaf advocates are recommending greater use of sign language, which can be a safer way to communicate during a pandemic since there are no droplets released during its use.

To read the article in its entirety, please click here.

Source: Yahoo News