ORL

Research Article

Impact of Masks on Speech Recognition in Adult Patients with and without Hearing Loss

Ritter E. · Miller C. · Morse J. · Onuorah P. · Zeaton A. · Zanation A. · Ebert C.S. · Thorp B.D. · Senior B. · Kimple A.

Author affiliations

Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Keywords: CoronavirusSurgical maskN95 maskSpeech recognitionHearing loss

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https://doi.org/10.1159/000518944

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Research Article

Received: March 07, 2021
Accepted: July 29, 2021
Published online: September 28, 2021

Number of Print Pages: 7
Number of Figures: 3
Number of Tables: 3

ISSN: 0301-1569 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0275 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/ORL

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has altered how modern healthcare is delivered to patients. Concerns have been raised that masks may hinder effective communication, particularly in patients with hearing loss. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of masks on speech recognition in adult patients with and without self-reported hearing loss in a clinical setting. Methods: Adult patients presenting to an otolaryngology clinic were recruited. A digital recording of 36 spondaic words was presented to each participant in a standard clinical exam room. Each word was recorded in 1 of 3 conditions: no mask, surgical mask, or N95 mask. Participants were instructed to repeat back the word. The word recognition score was determined by the percent correctly repeated. Results: A total of 45 participants were included in this study. Overall, the mean word recognition score was 87% without a mask, 78% with a surgical mask, and 61% with an N95 mask. Among the 23 subjects (51.1%) with self-reported hearing loss, the average word recognition score was 46% with an N95 mask compared to 79% in patients who reported normal hearing (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our results suggest that masks significantly decrease word recognition, and this effect is exacerbated with N95 masks, particularly in patients with hearing loss. As masks are essential to allow for safe patient-physician interactions, it is imperative that clinicians are aware they may create a barrier to effective communication.

© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel

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Article / Publication Details

First-Page Preview
Abstract of Research Article

Received: March 07, 2021
Accepted: July 29, 2021
Published online: September 28, 2021

Number of Print Pages: 7
Number of Figures: 3
Number of Tables: 3

ISSN: 0301-1569 (Print)
eISSN: 1423-0275 (Online)

For additional information: https://www.karger.com/ORL

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