A new face mask designed by Manchester researchers is promising to end the stress and anxiety talkers and listeners experience when they cover up.

Designed by a team at The Universities of Manchester and Salford, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the revolutionary design will protect wearers from viruses such as COVID-19.

The need for safe and effective covering remains important to protect wearers and bystanders for some groups. This can include elderly people or those who are are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system).

A study [1] by Dr Gaby Saunders, Senior Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, showed how opaque masks were associated with anxiety and stress in both the talker and the listener, spurring the project.

Dr Saunders, who manages Manchester BRC’s Hearing Device Centre, said: “Facial expressions are used extensively in communication, even among hearing people, and our research showed how face mask wearers feel less connected, less willing to engage in conversation.

“That is linked to increased anxiety and stress, as well as fatigue, frustration and embarrassment in both the listener and speaker.”

A 12-month ‘rapid-response’ grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) allowed research audiologists at The University of Manchester, Dr Michael Stone, Marston Senior Research Fellow, and Professor Kevin Munro, Honorary Consultant Clinical Scientist at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), to assemble a team of experts.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here