Melita hearing therapist on hearing difficulties while people wear masks
Channel: Your Way | Kia Roha
Date: 06/04/2020

What is it like to go to the supermarket and have someone serve you who is wearing a mask? It's going to make it difficult to hear the person talk. We naturally watch the lips move when people talk. This gives us clues when speech reading. It's going to be a bit trickier. Hearing therapist Melita gives us some tips, gain their attention, say you have a hearing loss, you need them to face you and speak clearly. Eliminate any background noise, ask them to step away from the noise to a quieter area. Facing you will project the speech forward, speaking clearly will help you understand. Pay attention to body language, they may be pointing - just these tips. If all else fails, ask them to write it down. If you would like more one-on-one clarification on this topic or any other hearing related topic, please remember 0800 008 011 or hearing@lifeunlimited.net.nz for the free Ministry of Health-funded service.