@arfie , totally relate to why you wouldn't want to identify hearing challenges to those who don't need to know. I will say this: I work all day with a mask I cannot remove, for people often very very hard of hearing or nearly completely deaf who may or may not also be wearing a mask. It is up to the sender of the msg to re-tool or find another way to communicate, (including but not limited to) annunciating more clearly, projecting their voice, speaking more loudly, or slowly, facing the person, gesturing or writing it down. I have met no one whom I immediately couldn't recognize as having difficulty hearing. A simple shake of the head and motion to the ears, or shrugged shoulders and palms up then pointing at the ears should be more than sufficient. FWIW, in that way if both the sender and receiver can recognize that much, and if there is good will and patience it can be navigated. (Just as eyes reflect a smile if it's legitimate.) Also, you can keep a brief card the size of a business card to show if necessary; it may request the person writes down what they wish to say or are asking. (You've probably thought of that).i am hearing impaired and rely heavily on lip reading to communicate.
is there a polite and politically correct way to let people know i can't "hear" through a mask?
I have noticed when I wear a mask I find it more difficult to hear. Which I joke about, but likely is also because I am lip reading to some extent, or it's an executive function/ brain fog or oxygen level issue (because I can concentrate or focus better without the mask).
I wish you good luck!
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