Healthcare-Clear Masks

Regular masks that cover a person’s lips, can be a significant barrier for individuals with hearing loss. Many people rely on lipreading and facial expressions to communicate.

To provide communication access, institutions can provide clear-windowed masks. Under ADA’s effective communication regulations, an individual can request the use of clear-windowed masks as an accommodation.  Providing these masks is the responsibility of the provider, and not the consumer.

Medical masks with clear windows for speechreading

• Optrel, NIOSH-approved N95
• ProGear, Clear-View See-Through Window Mask, ASTM Level 1
• Safe ‘N Clear, The Communicator™ Clear Face Mask. Meets ASTM Level 1 and Level 3 surgical mask standards with the added benefit of a fog-resistant clear window for improved communication
• Stealth Clarity N99

The Center for Hearing Access provides educational and informational resources and does not endorse any product, business, or service.