The Manx Deaf Society is asking people to be understanding to those with hearing problems when wearing face coverings.

Representatives from the charity have said many people rely on lipreading to understand others, which is made difficult when face coverings are worn.

Lucy Buxton of MDS described some of the challenges: ’A significant issue for people with hearing loss having to wear a mask is the issue of your hearing aids becoming tangled in the loops of your mask. One person has said that they find it so concerning, that they are not going outside.

’We sell a range of badges for sale which help people to understand why the wearer is finding communication difficult. We also have a Communication Card which explains a person’s level of hearing and has helpful communication tips.’

The MDS said speech to text apps available on mobile phones and hidden disability lanyards can ease communication. Transparent masks, such as the NHS approved ClearMask, also help.

Manx Deaf Society tips: Repeat the rephrase - if the person you’re speaking to is finding it difficult to understand you, try rephrasing if repeating isn’t successful.

Be patient - face masks make lipreading impossible and often muffle the sound.

Be flexible - be prepared to write something down/use a speech to text app.

Be visible - lipreading requires the person with hearing loss to be able to see the person their talking with.

Be clear - speak clearly but don’t shout. Speaking a little slower and more clearly is much more effective.

Ensure you’ve been understood - check the person has understood you. They may repeat back what you have said so they’ve understood.

Reduce/eliminate noise - move to a quieter area/turn music down or off.