Window face masks
Updated: Jul 30, 2020
Face masks are not at all helpful when it comes to communication for those who are hard of hearing.
A contributor to a conference call today (28 July 2020) from the charity Christians on Ageing on loneliness and social isolation mentioned face masks with windows as a boon for lip readers and when visiting people living with dementia.
We're all missing out on facial expressions now that we're wearing face masks in many more situations – when shopping, travelling on public transport and visiting hospitals, for example.
Make one?
In order to see facial expressions better, we might try face masks that have a clear plastic window or which cover part of the face while also allowing one to see someone's mouth and nose, These videos show how to make such masks at home.
Fabric and clear plastic vinyl are the components for making this style from scratch.
Another DIY reusable face mask with a clear window comes from Maison Zizou.
A German video with a step-by-step guide set to music has all instructions written in English for making another of a similar style.
Buy one?
But if you can't make one and want to buy one instead, there are various styles available online.
This one was devised for motorcyclists, but might work equally well for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
A half face mask showing nose and mouth with only a small fabric chin-covering is on the market.
Face shield
In a similar vein, for those who would like their own face shield, a hospital staff member shows here how one can be made out of an acetate sheet, a foam cushion and an elastic band.