Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
“Blindness separates us from things, but deafness separates us from people” – Helen Keller
Communication is always vital and even more so in this pandemic time. It represents many challenges, particularly for those with hearing impairment. Lip reading is an unconscious help in communicating for everyone, but very important to those with hearing issues. Hence, another roadblock arises with the mandatory need for wearing masks.
Traditional masks cover the mouth and nose rendering lip reading impossible. Not only is lip reading a problem; the masks that band around the ear are very uncomfortable for hearing aid wearers. Additionally, all too often, when the wearer removes the mask the hearing aid comes flying off – sometimes to disappear.
To address these issues, we devised a mask that boasts a large plastic mouth cover and adjustable strings that go higher above the ear and lower on the back of the neck.
The mask is comfortable, clear, and effective.
It is also:
• 96% efficient at filtering large droplets and 94% efficient at filtering aerosols
• Follows WHO requested composition of fabric masks:
– Hydrophilic material (cotton) inner layer – absorbs moisture
– Hydrophobic material (polyester) outer layer – repels moisture and can limit contamination from penetration through to the wearer’s nose and mouth
David M. Aronoff, director of Vanderbilt University Medical Center’s Division of Infectious Diseases, says that “Masks that are transparent may be as effective as cloth masks and might even be more effective since durable synthetic materials (plastics for example) provide strong barriers to respiratory droplet dispersal.”
The Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends community use of masks, specifically non-valved multi-layer cloth masks, to prevent transmission of SARS-COV-2.
Get two (2) communicator masks for a
$25 donation; one (1) mask for $15 donation; two (2) masks, Ears R’ Us: Answers to
Old Myths and Dr. Silverstein’s Jazz CD
with a $50 donation!
Call (941) 556 4219 or visit www.EarRF.org/donate and we’ll mail you your mask to the address you provided!
Ear Research Foundation
In 1979, Dr. Herbert Silverstein established the Ear Research Foundation in Sarasota, Florida. It was created from his desire to continue research and development, and to provide medical education in an Otology Clinical Fellowship training program in a private setting. The Ear Research Foundation, a 5O1C-3 organization expanded its programs to include an ear clinic for indigent patients which provides medical and surgical care. Community education and other outreach programs complete this dynamic organization.
Silverstein Institute
The Silverstein Institute has locations in Sarasota, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, and soon to open in Longboat Key. An internationally-respected physicians’ practice dedicated to diseases and surgery of the ears, nose, and throat. Silverstein Institute provides innovative, high-quality patient care. A state-of-the-art organization, the staff and physicians work together every day to improve the health and well-being of their patients.
References:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Masks. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-
covid-19-masks
COVID-19: Considerations for Wearing Masks. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-
sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
Pile, T. (2020, August 27). What to look for when buying a clear face mask, according to experts. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from
https://www.aol.com/article/lifestyle/2020/08/27/what-to-look-for-
when-buying-a-clear-face-mask-according-to-experts/24602198/
