Effect of Face Mask on Speech Communication during COVID-19

Abstract

The virus's widespread transmission can be linked to par-ticles in the air and droplets, making the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) crucial to preventing viral transmission. 1 Face masks are used to prevent pathogen transmission via droplets and/or aerosols. 2 As a result, N95 respirators and surgical facemasks are widely utilized in medical set-tings across the world. 3 Even traditional respiratory PPE, particularly full-face or partial-face masks, has been shown to diminish voice clarity and, as a result, communication efficiency. 4 Using a face mask reduces the distinctness of both messages: materials intended to reduce pathogen and other airborne particle transmission influence mouth mobility and sound delivery