The effects of N95 mask and face shield on speech perception among healthcare workers in the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic scenario

TLDR

During the COVID‑19 pandemic, N95 masks and face shields are essential for infection control but impede communication among healthcare workers. The study aimed to evaluate how wearing an N95 mask and face shield affects speech perception in healthcare workers with normal hearing. Twenty hearing‑normal healthcare workers underwent pure‑tone audiometry, then had speech reception threshold and discrimination scores measured with and without an N95 mask and face shield. Using the PPE significantly worsened speech perception, raising the speech reception threshold by 12.4 dB and lowering discrimination scores by 7 %, indicating a need for alternative communication strategies.

Abstract

Abstract Objective The current circumstances of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic necessitate the use of personal protective equipment in hospitals. N95 masks and face shields are being used as personal protective equipment to protect from aerosol-related spread of infection. Personal protective equipment, however, hampers communication. This study aimed to assess the effect of using an N95 mask and face shield on speech perception among healthcare workers with normal hearing. Methods Twenty healthcare workers were recruited for the study. Pure tone audiometry was conducted to ensure normal hearing. Speech reception threshold and speech discrimination score were obtained, first without using personal protective equipment and then repeated with the audiologist wearing an N95 mask and face shield. Results A statistically significant increase in speech reception threshold (mean of 12.4 dB) and decrease in speech discrimination score (mean of 7 per cent) was found while using the personal protective equipment. Conclusion Use of personal protective equipment significantly impairs speech perception. Alternate communication strategies should be developed for effective communication.