Wearing a mask is necessary to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, solid masks covering the mouth introduce significant obstacles for the nearly 40 million Americans with hearing loss. Depending on the type (e.g. medical vs N95), masks attenuate high frequency speech sounds by 3dB to as much as 12 dB.1 Furthermore, solid face masks hide facial cues, including lipreading which facilitates speech comprehension.2 Basic communication strategies like speaking slowly and reducing ambient noise remain key however, integrating personal protective equipment (PPE) maximizing full-face view becomes a more important issue in the audiology clinic. Procedural masks with clear windows offer visual access of the mouth although window masks are also subject to limitations including insufficient window size and fogging of the window.3,4 The new EZ-Adjuster style ClearMask™ addresses these issues and represents a promising PPE solution for audiologists and other providers/staff to consider.
Designed to block aerosols, fluids and sprays, ClearMask™ is the first fully transparent face mask offering full view of the face. The primary integrated barrier is an anti-fog and anti-glare plastic. It straps over the head and adjusted at the back of the head using the EZ-Adjuster for a customized fit. Since the mask is secured at the back of the head, it eliminates the problems hearing aid or cochlear implant wearers experience when using masks with ear loops, including frustration of losing devices when doffing masks. The patent-pending design optimizes comfort and breathability, while providing the protection a mask is intended to provide. Conditional FDA approval positions ClearMask™ as the preferred clear mask of choice in the clinical setting. Contact Oaktree Products toll free 800.347.1960 or via email at otp@oaktreeproducts.com.
Additional Reminders:
- Aerosol generating procedures require the use of N95 or KN95 masks with eye protection; for a basic review, see the previous blog post Masking Dilemma.
- When no face masks are available, the use of a face shield that covers the entire front (extending to the chin or below) and sides of the face with no face mask is an option.5
- ClearMask™ is also available in the classic tie-on style; Oaktree Products only offers the EZ-Adjuster Style (item# CM24).
- Refer to ClearMask™ EZ-Adjuster Instructions for Use for a quick but important video on how to properly use the EZ-Adjuster; the ClearMask™ does close around the face when the EZ-Adjuster is properly used.
References
- Goldin A., Weinstein B., and Shiman N (2020). How Do Medical Masks Degrade Speech Reception? Available: https://www.hearingreview.com/hearing-loss/health-wellness/how-do-medical-masks-degrade-speech-reception
- ASHA (2020). ASHA to CDC: Recognize Need for Clear Face Masks, Flexible Communication Methods to Protect Those with Hearing and Other Communication Disorders. Available: https://www.asha.org/News/2020/ASHA-to-CDC–Recognize-Need-for-Clear-Face-Masks,-Flexible-Communication-Methods-to-Protect-Those-With-Hearing-and-Other-Communication-Disorders/
- Spangler C. (2020). Considerations of Face Shields as a Return to School Option. Available: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.acialliance.org/resource/resmgr/files/aci_paper_face_shields1.pdf
- American Cochlear Implant Alliance (2020). ACI Alliance Published “Considerations of Face Shields as a Return To School Option:. Available: https://www.acialliance.org/news/512538/ACI-Alliance-Publishes-Consideration-of-Face-Shields-as-a-Return-to-School-Option.htm
- CDC (2020). Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Healthcare Settings. Updated April 13, 2020. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html
