University of Washington Chief Strategy Officer of Population Health Dr. Ali Mokdad reacts to the new strain of coronavirus reaching the United States. Though studies have found they are effective in helping to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, face masks are not ideal for those living with hearing loss, with some 95% of respondents to a recent survey reporting that these facial coverings have adversely affected their ability to communicate with others during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to learn more about how the pandemic has affected those living with hearing loss — an estimated 48 million Americans suffer from some degree of hearing loss — the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) surveyed 1,399 people across the country, 85% of whom were 55 years of age or older.