How do face masks impact communication amongst deaf/HoH people?

ABSTRACT: Face coverings have been key in reducing the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, they have hindered interpersonal communication, particularly for those who rely on speechreading to aid communication. The available research indicated that deaf/hard of hearing (HoH) people experienced great difficulty communicating with people wearing masks and negative effects on wellbeing. Here we extended these findings by exploring which factors predict deaf/HoH people's communication difficulties, loss of information, and wellbeing. We also explored the factors predicting perceived usefulness of transparent face coverings and alternative ways of communicating. We report the findings from an accessible survey study, released in two written and three signed languages. Responses from 395 deaf/HoH UK and

SUBMITTER: Gutierrez-Sigut E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9443624 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature