No abstract

Key Points Question Could transparent masks help to overcome communication barriers associated with widespread mask use among the general population, general health care workers, and health care workers who are deaf or hard of hearing in the United States? Findings In this survey study of 1000 members of the general public, 123 general health care workers, and 45 health care workers who are deaf or hard of hearing, participants perceived mask wearing as potentially impairing communication. Respondents reported an improved ability to read emotion with transparent mask use, and transparent masks were generally accepted across all 3 populations surveyed. Meaning These findings suggest that transparent masks have the potential to overcome barriers in communication brought on by universal mask wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.