ATLANTA — Wearing a mask is now part of daily life, but this has led to an extra hurdle for people who are hard of hearing.
Taylor Nighbert, 7, says it’s sometimes very important to "see" what other people are saying. "It's a little harder for me because I can't see their mouth moving—so I can't read their lips,” Taylor said.
Taylor was born with a hearing loss.
Special implants have helped, but now that masks are part of daily life, she faces a new challenge.
Her mother Sherri Nighbert worries about what will happen if masks are required in school.
"I'm really nervous for Taylor, and I hope the world sees the importance of it,” Sherri Nighbert said.
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Taylor’s audiologist Melissa Wikoff says so many people are impacted.
“I knew right away, as soon as we tried it on. My face dropped. I looked at my husband and said, 'How is this going to work for my patients?'” Wikoff said.
Wikoff searched for a solution, and she found a California company called The Hearing Spot.
They’re making masks with clear plastic panels that allow people with a hearing loss to "see" people speak—and also tell if they’re happy or sad.
"I think it's a thing of compassion to consider people who may not be able to hear you,” Wikoff said.
Taylor’s family wears the special masks when they go out, and they hope that doctors, teachers, grocery store cashiers and more will be able to get them.
"I can read their lips now," Taylor told Channel 2's Berndt Petersen.
"Because you can see their mouth more?" Petersen asked.
"Yes,” Taylor said.
Taylor’s mom is also thinking about her daughter’s school teachers.
“I might buy them with my own funds. Buy and purchase them for her teachers in case they’re not provided by the county or the school. I think it’s that important,” Sherri Nighbert said.
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