See-through Health Masks Developed for those Hard of Hearing

It’s no secret: the coronavirus is altering how we communicate. Wearing a mask, whether to grab groceries or report to work, is now a necessity for countless people around the globe. It’s difficult to adapt to this change in day-to-day life –especially for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Ashley Lawrence, a college senior in Kentucky, has a solution: a modified, clear face mask that helps those who are hard of hearing communicate. Lawrence’s masks reveal the facial expressions of the wearer – a critical component in American Sign Language. The shortage of masks inspired Lawrence: “…everyone started making their own, so I thought: why not make them for all?”

These new masks function like most other surgical masks, and while they’re not quite as effective as the medical-grade N95 respirators used in health care, they will certainly help those who are impacted by hearing loss communicate with others.

Lawrence plans on sharing a mask-making tutorial sometime soon – so you can replicate her invention right at home.

For more info on the masks and the creator herself, the full article is available at https://www.cbsnews.com/news/this-college-student-is-sewing-face-masks-designed-for-the-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-community/.

From all of us here at DeafandHoH, remember: stay home, stay clean, and stay safe.