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Covid and Masking, A Catch 22

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1.  People reported more of what in 2022 compared to 2021? Annoyance with face masks Relief no needing to attend social events Hearing aid use All of the above

2.  What did people report less of in 2022 compared to 2021? Hearing aid use Annoyance with masks Concern with what to do if hearing aid broke Concern about talking to people in public places

3.  What is the catch 22 of COVID-19 and masks? People want to socialize, they have to wear masks to socialize, with masks it is difficult to socialize People have to wear masks, with masks the hearing aids are pulled off, so they have to leave their hearing aids at home, so they cannot hear speech. People wearing masks speak louder, louder speech is easier to understand, so masking actually improves speech understanding. People wearing masks use gestures so understanding speech is actually easier than before.

4.  How do people describe their unaided hearing in 2021 compared to 2022? People reported greater hearing loss on average People reported less hearing loss on average People reported they no longer knew how they were hearing because they had been inside so long Overall no significant changes

5.  How did hearing aid use reports change from 2021 to 2022? Hearing aids were worn more in 2021 Hearing aids worn more in 2022 Hearing aids worn less in both years than before Covid-19 Hearing aids worn the same in 2021 and 2022