As South Australia begins to emerge from the recent COVID outbreak, wearing masks is slowly but surely becoming the new norm to ensure that Adelaidians can stop the spread the best we can.
But, for those hard of hearing mask-wearing poses a significant challenge, not through being unable to rely on lip reading, but also the discomfort of mask straps when contending with a hearing aid.
For some context, most masks, including surgical, rest behind each ear – the same position where hearing aids lay. So, each time someone who wears a hearing aid removes or adjusts their mask, they run the risk of clipping their listening device and sending it flying across the room. Even without the worry of losing hearing aids, the elasticated bands can cause discomfort from the disposition of the device.
Luckily enough, some South Aussie companies have created double-strap masks and other funky garments to ensure that our new fashion accessories are hearing aid friendly.
Here are our favourite picks from Adelaide brands:
HEY REFLECT’O
Stand out from the crowd with Hey Reflect’o face-masks! These brightly-coloured, triple-layered masks are made with cotton and hemp lining with a Reflect’o piece patched on each cheek. Each mask is double-strapped and easily adjustable, so it can fit heads of all shapes and sizes and rest comfortably away from listening devices.
Brains behind Hey Reflect’o Lisa Penney is Adelaide born-and-breed, so purchasing one of these masks is the best way to shop local or stay safe at the same time.
Masks are $39 each with free shipping on all orders.
Shop Reflect’o masks here.
FANCY THAT ON BEACH ROAD
Adelaide’s favourite costume shop has branched out and created face masks to keep us fashionable and safe as South Australia muddles their way through the pandemic. While their basic face masks tie behind the ear, but for those hard-of-hearing, the deluxe models tie comfortably around the head.
Choose between the brightly coloured patterns and prints available on the website and customize them to suit your style.
Masks are $15 and are available in sizes for kids, teens and adults. Your mask will be available for collection from the Christies Beach storefront within 3-4 days of purchase, with local delivery available for those who live nearby.
To purchase your mask, head to the Fancy That on Beach Road website.
ROSELLA ROAD
While Rosella Road doesn’t produce double-strapped masks that rest behind your head, the Adelaide-based brand has created funky and colourful headbands to clip your mask to. These innovative band designs mean that face masks won’t cause any irritation, and are safely out of the way from listening devices.
Match your headband to your Rosella Road mask and be the most fashionable mask-wearer in town! Headbands start at $19, with masks retailing at $17.
To purchase your mask and headband combo, head to the Rosella Road website.
JEM DESIGNS
Similar to the style of Rosella Road, Jem Designs creates a headband to rest those pesky elastics on while you wear your masks. Coming in an array of bright block colours, you can match your latest headgear to your face mask, and not have to worry about knocking your hearing aid.
Headbands start at $12, with triple-layered masks retailing at the same price.
To purchase your mask and headband combo, head to the Jem Designs website.
For more double-strapped face masks and other face coverings for those hard-of-hearing made in Australia, check out the following brands:
COSTUMES WITHOUT DRAMA
As seen on ABC’s The Drum, Victoria-based company Costumes Without Drama has created an innovative window face mask for those communicating with hearing-impaired individuals. Lip-reading is sometimes essential for the hard-of-hearing and deaf community, but face masks largely blocking the ability to read words and muffle the quality of sound.
Luckily enough, these face maks mean every conversation is inclusive with a clear panel across the lip area so people can see your mouth and pearly white smile at all times. The four-layered masks come in an assortment of colours and styles and are hand washable. The elastic is also long enough to tie behind your head, so is ideal for those using listening devices as well.
Masks retail at $30 and are available in adult, teen and children sizes.
To purchase your mask and headband combo, head to the Costumes Without Drama website.
PAR MOI
Melbourne-based company Par Moi has created vintage-inspired face masks fitted with the sweetest patterns, pastel colour palettes and even the beloved character Blinky Bill. These double-layered cotton masks are the perfect COVID-safe fashion accessory and tie nicely behind your head, so they won’t interfere with any listening device.
Masks retail at $25, with free shipping when you purchase more than two.
To purchase your Par Moi mask head to their website.
PERPLE
These fashionable masks made by Melbourne-based company Perple are hand crafted with style and sophistication, having featured in Vogue Australia last month.
The regular black and tan face masks are made from leftover fabric from the ethical brands latest collection, fitted with delicate pearls accents at the end of the fastenings, giving face masks a new level of elegance. The masks retail $29 and come with a filter pocket, wired nose holder and can be tied either behind the ears or at the back of your head.
To purchase your Perple mask head to their website.
Now you can stay safe in style, without worrying about damaging or losing your listening devices and hearing aids!
To see more SA-made masks, head to our extensive mask guide here.
More News
