Masks saw more than 90% of deaf people struggle to communicate during pandemic
In October 2022, researchers at the University of Essex invited 400 deaf people to participate in a survey on their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic when mask mandates were in effect. Almost all deaf participants reported issues with communication due to masks. The study was published in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications.
Masks cause a disconnect
In addition to sign language and other ways, many deaf and hard of hearing people rely on the face to fully understand what people are saying. Masks can make it difficult to see facial expressions and visual cues, lip-reading, and access the full face.
In the current study, respondents felt that they had missed a lot of information in their daily interactions with people, and felt significantly more disconnected from society than before. Most notably, the researchers found:
During the pandemic, 59 percent of deaf people felt highly disconnected from society
76 percent of deaf people missed vital information when masks were worn during conversations
Those who had the most trouble communicating while wearing masks were deaf and over the age of 55
Profoundly deaf people and signers experienced more disconnection from society and negative effects on their wellbeing
““Mask mandates were vital in fighting the spread of the deadly coronavirus but meant some of our most vulnerable communities were left isolated. The pandemic lockdowns were hard for everyone but even more so for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. This research exposes the unexpected consequences policies can have in a fast-moving international emergency and how people can fall through the cracks.””
Transparent masks are preferred option for many
Deaf and hard of hearing participants appreciated efforts to communicate in alternative ways, such as gesturing or writing. They also valued the use of transparent face masks. The study found that transparent coverings that allowed a full view of the entire face was the preferred option for many.
The researchers point out that this result was consistent with existing research showing that people, both deaf and hearing, pay close attention to the mouth when trying to understand speech, particularly when auditory perception becomes difficult.
““Most deaf people we spoke to agreed these masks made a real difference and made everything from a trip to the shops to a vital doctor’s appointment easier.””
Signing, speech reading, and other communication techniques affect comprehension in combination with levels of deafness, whether they can use sign language, and when hearing loss started, so preferences vary person to person and not one size fits all.
However, the researchers emphasize that if another pandemic occurs, governments need to learn how to balance public health with being inclusive to other communities. Along with transparent masks, what other strategies can we use to overcome communication barriers?
To read the full study, click here.