Charities say transparent face masks could stop isolation for nine million deaf

Nine charities led by the National Deaf Children’s Society are calling on Public Health England and NHS England to commission transparent face masks, saying it will make a "monumental difference" to deaf people.

The charities warn communication will become impossible if the general public start to wear standard face masks or coverings as it will prevent them lip-reading or seeing facial expressions, leaving them at risk of isolation and loneliness.

'Don’t mask the message with an unnecessary barrier. Be clear. Go clear'

There are currently around nine million people in England who are deaf or live with a hearing loss and almost all of them rely on seeing someone’s face clearly.

Deaf people can’t lip-read or see facial expressions through face masks or coverings, leaving them at risk of isolation and loneliness.

With more than 70 per cent of the over-70's living with hearing loss, the charity said those people were also more likely to end up in hospital being treated for coronavirus.

Karen Robson of Action on Hearing Loss, said: "We're hearing a lot of concerns from the deaf community and those with hearing loss.

"Many people who are deaf or have hearing loss rely heavily on visual cues for effective communication, including facial expressions and lip-reading.

"Being able to see lip patterns and facial expressions is also vital for those who communicate through British Sign Language."

The government’s latest guidance advises wearing face coverings in enclosed spaces such as public transport, where social distancing may not be possible.

Although they have not been made mandatory, Transport for London has strongly advised passengers to wear the coverings.

Susan Daniels, chief executive of the National Deaf Children’s Society, added: “This is an extremely challenging time for everyone and we’re relying on each other’s support, understanding and patience to get through it. Deaf people are no exception and if face masks or coverings become widespread, they could experience months of misery as they struggle to understand what is said to them.

“This could be even harder for children, who may not have the confidence to keep asking for things to be repeated and often find it easier to just pretend they understand.

“Transparent face masks would make a monumental difference to deaf people’s lives, but we’d also ask everyone to take these simple deaf awareness tips on board. They won’t make much difference to your life, but they will have a massive effect on ours.”

The nine charities including the National Deaf Children’s Society, Action on Hearing Loss, Royal Association for Deaf people, Action Deafness, British Deaf Association, Sign Health, British Association of Teachers of the Deaf, Sense and the UK Council on Deafness, have recommended five tips on how to speak with a face mask.

These include writing phrases down, using a text to speech app or conducting conversations over video call where there is no need to wear a mask. When conversations do need to happen in person, the group recommends using a clear face mask or visor or finding a quiet place to talk.

In the letter, the charities are asking for future government guidance on face coverings to include advice on speaking to deaf people while wearing them.

Linda Richards, chair of the British Deaf Association, said: “Don’t mask the message. Use of clear face masks and visors/shields with deaf people is reassuring, reduces the risk of misunderstandings, and gives us the chance - indeed, the right - to be as fully informed and involved in our treatment as is possible.

"Don’t mask the message with an unnecessary barrier. Be clear. Go clear.”

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