Help: DH needs masks that will work with hearing aids

Joy

I need ideas for DH. He needs masks that do not go over the ears to wear with his earring aides. It is also warming up or will be soon, so something that will not be too warm. Thank you.

4 years ago

General

32 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

MsMaven

Veteran

Wish I could help--DH has same problem with hearing aids. His solution at first was not to wear them as he can hear well enough for shopping, etc. He's tried several different kinds of masks, but none is ideal so far.

I hope someone comes up with a solution to this problem--a lot of people do wear hearing aids. His are fairly minimal, but the straps on the masks can still knock them out of his ears.

4 years ago

Runcarla

Veteran

Do the ones that tie behind the head, rather than hook over the ears, work better? I’ve been looking for solutions on-line, and the ones that tie are suggested. I tie mine high on the crown so that they aren’t pressed under the arms of my glasses.

https://www.healthyhearing.com.....aring-aids

4 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

I made the ones that tie behind the head (top and bottom) but they are kind of fiddly depending on dexterity and how slick your hair is. I used the pattern from the NY Times.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I was going to say the same as Carla... I really prefer a single tie I’ve discovered.

4 years ago

Sisi

Veteran

I was going to suggest what Runcarla said. People are making a lot of DIY masks here and they use cotton straps as ties because it is difficult to find elastics.

4 years ago

Karie

(website)

Veteran

This is the mask pattern I’ve been using. The elastic goes behind the head and it’s very comfortable.
https://youtu.be/6hpzLQTy-SA
If you don’t sew, pm me and I will make you what you need.

4 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, they have ones that tie behind the head or have elastic round the head. I made my first one that way because the over ear elastic slipped off- and it's much more secure.

4 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

The masks Janet recently modeled and recommended tie behind the head, and are extremely well made and comfortable. My son even really likes them. Also, they're designed so glasses sit on top of the mask, so prevent fogging.

I just ordered a pack of them for my parents. My Dad has a hearing aid, so am hopeful these will be comfortable for him as well.

http://www.qualitymasksupply.com

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Thank you for these ideas and other help. His hearing aids are minimal and have actually come apart in his ear. He needs to wear them .

4 years ago

Anonymous

The How To Wear Your Mask video clip at the link Laurie provided is very good.

I made my own pleated ones and they have a single continuous tie but I've been wearing them upside down with the knot/bow at the neck so I'm going to try this way instead.

4 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I’ve been making the kind with the long shoelace (54 inches). It’s pretty adjustable. The loop part goes over the ears, and it ties at the nape. It’s how this person does it. She’s been making them for a long time, well before the pandemic.

https://www.craftpassion.com/f.....g-pattern/

4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Looks like you have some fab options, sweet Joy. Good luck.

4 years ago

ChristelJ

Veteran

I have been making some of the same ones as JAileen. They are a bit slow to put on because you do have to adjust them but that is why they fit so well and stay put comfortably.

4 years ago

Roberta

Veteran

This is one reason I ordered a couple of Madewell bandanas. Between glasses, earrings, and hearing aids, elastic masks are a struggle. I'm going to try looking like Billy the Kid for a while.

4 years ago

Anonymous

The "over the ears" in any way is really the challenge point for me because I wear glasses so I'm looking at real life ingenuity.

I saw a man yesterday who had fastened the two ear loops together behind his head and while he wasn't wearing glasses it looked like it might work for hearing aids because the tension of the connector pulled the ear loops up and away from the top of his ears.

4 years ago

Lili

Active Member

Perhaps ear savers would help your husband, Joy:

https://www.google.com/search?.....ent=psy-ab

4 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Here is what I made for my mother, who wears glasses, has hearing aids, is allergic to latex and cannot reach behind her head due to arthritis. We considered the ear savers but my mom worried she would have a hard time with the buttons.

It has two covered spandex elastic bands that have toggles since I could not be entirely sure of the fit. The fit can be adjusted and then the mask pulled on like a hat. She would have to put her hearing aids on afterwards to ensure they do not fall off. This version has no nose wire because she has an old N95 that it will cover.

Not sure if you have anyone who can cobble something like this together, or if you can find anything like it online.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. I have a sewing machine but have never used it as I have no good place to set it up. I can hand sew and sew on buttons, so I hope Runcarla s mask works for him. If not I plan to try something with a head band DSIL also uses hearing aids and lives in a care center. She is often confused but should wear a mask . She was recently in deep quarantine after a worker who she has had contact with, tested positive for the virus.

4 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, it just occurs to me a gaiter mask may be the ticket.

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

4 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Staysfit, how does your mom weat the N95 under the cloth-mask? With the elastic loops or just as a filter. Have to figure out an option for my husband for his hernia surgery next week.

4 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

@Elpgal- My mother is using the N95 as a filter. The cloth mask, with luck, should extend the life of the N95. She only has one, so I also sent her some filter material cut to fit the mask for when the N95 is no longer useful.

4 years ago

pil

Veteran

Rachy, I’ve been eyeballing those neck gaiters myself.

4 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

Update - wore the masks I suggested over the weekend. There is still some glasses fogging unfortunately.

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

DH thought of the gator style but I they may be too warm soon. Best of luck to your DH and you .

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Laurie, that is good to know. As the weather warms up some, there has been a bit less fogging, but it could be dangerous trying to drive or ride a bike.

4 years ago

Laurie

Veteran

Update - wore the masks I suggested over the weekend. There is still some glasses fogging unfortunately.

4 years ago

nuancedream

Veteran

I found this article from the AARP that has some useful suggestions for managing protective face masks with hearing aids.

https://www.aarp.org/health/co.....-mask.html

4 years ago

Joy

Veteran

Those are helpful suggestions, Nuancedream. And Laurie, thank you for your trial and conclusions. There must be a way. We went to a garden center today and masks were required. DH left his hearing aids in the car. I feel for those with breathing difficulties who really can’t wear a mask and try getting a two-year- old to wear one! .

4 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

The paper masks are a LOT more breathable and comfortable than most cloth ones. Maybe that will help? They have very narrow elastic.

4 years ago

Category