Tips for Communicating with Face Masks

Karl.B • September 16, 2020

As we know, wearing a mask will help prevent COVID-19 from spreading. We put one on each time we leave our homes. However, as mandatory mask laws are being implemented across the country, some people find it tricky to wear them. They might find it hard to breathe. Another issue is “I can’t have a proper conversation because my words sound muffled.” The latter is indeed an issue for all of us who wear masks and struggle with hearing.

Why do masks make it so difficult for others to understand?

According to Patricia Johnson, a UNC audiologist, “The physical barrier changes the sound waves that reach your ear… High pitch sounds cannot make it through the material, so you begin to lose access to consonants, particularly ‘f,’ ‘s,’ ‘sh,’ ‘th,’ which carry a lot of weight in the clarity of the words we hear.”

“Wish” can sound like “with,” for example. Wearing a mask also eliminates lip reading and other facial expressions. This can be extremely difficult for the deaf or hard to hear, but people with normal hearing can even understand someone slightly more tricky when they’re wearing a mask.

“We’re all doing lip-reading,” says Dr. Johnson. “When we talk, there is a close alignment of our eyes and ears. And if you lose your voice, you’re forced to rely on your hearing, which the physical barrier degrades.

If you can’t read others’ facial expressions, it isn’t easy to gauge their feelings.

Enforced physical distancing is also leading to communication problems.

Even physical distancing can generate communication difficulties.

Speech can sound quieter because, with distance, sound levels go down.
Focusing on speech can be more difficult at a distance when competing with other ambient sounds, such as chirping birds or blaring car radio.
To help us hear better, we don’t have the option of leaning in or getting closer.
Visual signs, such as facial expressions, are more difficult to see at a distance.

Of course, these obstacles don’t alter the fact that wearing masks will help save lives during a pandemic.

To help you communicate better, here are a few tips.

Get their attention by calling their name. The best way to get someone’s attention and let them know that you care is to say their name. Calling someone by name establishes a relation and demonstrates respect and professionalism. It gives them some time to prepare for a conversation.

Use body language . Body language is a vital part of how we communicate. It is no surprise that communication can be inhibited by a piece of material covering most of our faces. Look at your conversation partner in the eyes; make sure they understand what you’re saying. For conveying knowledge, use your hands, eyes, shoulders, eyebrows, and head—nod, nod, and smile. People can see in your eyes a lot of the time whether you are smiling or not. A smile will make them feel at ease.

Talk Louder, and Speak Clearly . Take your time and talk slowly; speak clearly to make sure a person understands you. Bear in mind someone can be hard to understand. Rephrase your words if they are unable to understand you the first time.

Ask for feedback. It can be easy to lose sight of how well we interact. Tell the people you’re speaking with if what you’re saying makes sense. When we communicate clearly, we can prevent a lot of mistakes and missed opportunities.

Putting a mask on may also often feel like a physical barrier between you and the person you speak. That’s particularly true if you’re trying to have a long, meaningful conversation with someone in the grocery store, rather than a brief interaction. The face mask, however, appears unlikely to leave anytime soon as the pandemic continues. So long as we’re masking up, we’re all going to have to improve our communication skills to stay social with those around us.

Anadyne

We are committed to best practices with our hearing health services. Hearing testing is an important part of your overall health and well-being. Contact us to learn more about our mobile, on-site hearing health services.

The post Tips for Communicating with Face Masks appeared first on Anadyne.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Is Your Respirator Program Still Compliant in 2026?

By Mary Jane Bumanglag • May 30, 2026

In many workplaces, respirators are considered the last line of defense against airborne hazards. But even the best respirator won’t protect workers if the program behind it is outdated, incomplete, or inconsistently followed. As industries continue to prioritize workplace safety, 2026 is the right time for companies to take a closer look at their respirator protection programs — not because regulations suddenly changed overnight, but because compliance alone does not always guarantee protection. At Anadyne, we believe employers should move beyond “checking the box” and focus on creating programs that genuinely keep workers safe every day on the job. Why Companies Should Review Their Respirator Program Now Many organizations assume that if they passed an inspection or completed fit testing a few years ago, their program is still effective today. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. A respirator protection program can gradually become outdated due to: Employee turnover Changes in job tasks or exposure risks Improper respirator storage and maintenance Weight fluctuations affecting fit Inconsistent training practices Missing documentation Delayed medical evaluations or fit testing The reality is this: a company can technically remain compliant with minimum requirements and still experience workplace injuries or respiratory exposure incidents. That’s why regular program reviews matter. Compliance Is Only the Beginning Respiratory protection standards are designed to establish minimum safety requirements. However, truly effective programs go further by ensuring workers consistently use and maintain their equipment properly between evaluations and fit tests. A worker may pass a fit test today, but what happens afterward? Are they: Shaving regularly to maintain a proper seal? Replacing filters when needed? Inspecting respirators for damaged seals? Properly storing equipment in sealed bags between jobs? Reporting major physical changes that may affect fit? These day-to-day behaviors determine whether respiratory protection actually works in real-world conditions. What a Complete Respirator Protection Program Should Include An effective respirator protection program should contain several critical components working together. 1. Fit Testing Fit testing confirms that the respirator forms a proper seal on the employee’s face. (objective testing is recommended to rule out known inconsistencies with subjective 'irritant smoke' methods) Even small facial changes, damaged equipment, or improper sizing can compromise protection. 2. Training & Education Training should go beyond simply teaching employees how to wear a respirator. Effective training helps workers understand: Why respiratory protection matters How improper use increases risk How to inspect equipment properly When to replace filters or cartridges Proper cleaning and storage procedures When to report issues or request reassessment The goal is not just passing a test, it’s ensuring workers remain protected every day between tests. 3. Documentation & Written Program Review Proper documentation is essential for both compliance and operational consistency. A written respirator protection program should clearly outline procedures, responsibilities, equipment protocols, training schedules, evaluation records, and emergency processes. Without regular review, written programs can quickly become outdated or disconnected from actual workplace practices. Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem Delaying a respirator program review is similar to avoiding a routine medical check-up. If concerns already exist, waiting longer often increases the risk of larger problems later. The good news is that most companies can address issues proactively before they become serious safety incidents, compliance violations, or costly disruptions. A review today can help identify gaps early, while solutions are still manageable. How Anadyne Can Help In 2026, Anadyne is proud to expand its respiratory protection services to help companies strengthen workplace safety programs with confidence. Whether you need: Respirator fit testing Program evaluations Training support Written program reviews Guidance on best practices Our team is ready to help you build a program that supports both compliance and worker protection. Schedule a Respirator Program Review Protecting your workforce starts with understanding where your current program stands. Book a consultation with Anadyne today and take the next step toward a safer, stronger respirator protection program.