Businesses and members of the public are being asked to consider the needs of hearing impaired people in a campaign (#PleaseSpeakUp), launched which will see free lapel badges provided for people who are hard of hearing to wear, so that those they meet in public, and particularly in stores, will understand their difficulty.
The use of face masks and screens in retail outlets and in public places, like GPs’ surgeries, makes life difficult, on account of the muffled sound effect, says Dolores Madden, audiologist & Marketing Director at Hidden Hearing, whose company launched the campaign.
“More vulnerable and elderly people are encouraged to wear face masks in public, as are those dealing with the public in their line of work.
“But unfortunately this makes it difficult to hear, and that can add to the feeling of isolation in the hearing impaired, especially when they fail to understand what is being said”, the hearing specialist explains.
It is hoped that, as people recognise the #PleaseSpeakUp badge, they will speak clearly, raise their voice a little and take the time to ensure that the individual understands.
Read My Lips
Face masks effectively cover the mouth, and many people without hearing aids actually relied on lip-reading to compensate for hearing loss, without realising it, audiologists now believe.
Free lapel badges are available by contacting Hidden Hearing by emailing info@hiddenhearing.ie to have badges posted free of charge.
