As the United States begins to slowly reopen, the CDC still highly recommends individuals wear masks while out and about to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
But for the hearing impaired, it can prove to be a huge problem. One Waco woman decided to come up with her own solution.
“You know we all struggle to hear with that muffled mask, but someone who is hearing impaired can hear nothing and they don’t even have the ability to see what someone is saying anymore. I just hope that it does bring awareness to it,” said Tammy Scott.
Scott’s sister is hearing impaired, so this is an issue that is close to her heart.
“When she had gone to H-E-B or Target or Walmart or one of the stores here in town, she couldn’t communicate with whoever she was talking to. When I spoke to my sister this morning, the first thing I said was, "I’m sorry, I didn't mean to call you out and embarrass you," and she said, "No, thank you for bringing awareness to something that people struggle with,"” said Scott.
Scott discovered a template that calls for strips of vinyl to be sewn where the mouth would go. These masks will still bring protection but allow lips and even big smiles to be seen.
“Just being able to see people’s mouths. Just being able to see people’s smiles, know that they are talking so that they can pay attention, that just makes a big difference,” said Rebekah Raabe.
With communication being a little bit harder while social distancing, this is just one way we can better help the hearing impaired community safely communicate too.
Tammy said she will continue to make these masks, and she is also donating some to the Waco Masks Seamstress for COVID-19. If you are in need of a mask or would like to find out how to make the masks, you can contact Tammy Scott through her email: tamscott71@yahoo.com.
