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

Abstract

Highlights Late-onset deaf people experienced more difficulties in communication and low wellbeing. Severely/profoundly deaf people missed more information and felt disconnected from society. Signers preferred completely transparent face coverings. More frequent use of masks doesn’t necessarily imply more difficulty communicating. Visual communication, pro-social behaviour, and societal structure might help easing communication.

Keywords

• Deafness
• COVID-19
• Masks
• Transparent masks
• Communication
• Wellbeing