Date of Graduation

8-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Environmental Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Apparel Merchandising and Product Development

Advisor/Mentor

Hubert, Stephanie

Committee Member/Reader

Cho, Eunjoo

Committee Member/Second Reader

Glade, Rachel

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to create adaptive face masks with clear inserts to aid individuals with hearing loss. In early 2020, when the world went into lockdown and quarantine, guidelines were set by the Center of Disease Control (CDC) on how to protect yourself from Covid-19. Covid-19 is also known as SARS-CoV-2, which is severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2. The main protection against Covid-19 at the beginning of the pandemic was the use of face masks that covered the nose and mouth. This has been a continued recommendation for protection against Covid-19 with the different variants of the disease that have evolved. The first thing you are recommended to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19, is to mask up. Masks in general muffle sound and it makes it harder for individuals with hearing loss to communicate as they are also not able to read lips with the face covered. It also makes it harder to communicate through sign language since they still use facial expressions. At the moment, doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals are still requiring people to wear face masks, so the need for face masks with clear windows is still relevant. Individuals with hearing loss and individuals who use sign language or read lips, deserve to have accessible accommodations, especially when it comes to treatment for their health. It is hard for patients to receive treatment if they can’t communicate with their doctor or other health professionals in a safe manner. That is why the creation and development of these masks are important in accommodating individuals with hearing loss. This entire project was funded by a service learning grant through Bumpers Honors College.

Keywords

clear face masks, adaptive face masks, Covid-19, face mask pattern

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