‘Unmasking’ Benefits for Hearing Aid Users in Challenging Listening Environments
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health and government officials are encouraging or even mandating community-wide face mask wearing to reduce potential pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic transmission of the virus to others. This practice, in combination with social distancing (ie, keeping >6 feet apart), has helped decrease spread of the virus, but it has also provided a barrier to clear, empathetic communication, particularly for those with hearing loss.