Can Speaking Too Loudly Result in the Spread of COVID-19?

Facts About the Spread of Respiratory Droplets

We are now aware that infectious diseases - such as COVID-19 - may be transmitted from person to person via coughing and sneezing. But it can also be passed between people who are simply talking to each other. 

According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the average speech droplets produce thousands of respiratory droplets that could linger in the air for nearly 14 minutes. 

Each time humans speak, we scatter thousands of tiny droplets through our mouths that can remain in the air for 8 to 14 minutes. 

These droplets may transfer infectious pathogens - like COVID-19 - and spread viral molecules between individuals when the other person breathes in the infected droplets, or comes in physical contact with something that the droplets settled on.

More Respiratory Droplets are Created when Speaking Louder

The same research from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences discovered that talking loudly created more droplets than the average speaking tone. 

This research supports the use of masks, and for getting hearing loss treated. Hearing is essential, especially during these uncertain times. Wearing hearing aids can reduce the need for others to speak up, thus reducing the risk of transmitting COVID-19. 

Those who have COVID-19 are the most infectious. If your friends or family members are infected (but are unaware of it) and speaking up so that you will be able to hear them, they will be producing more respiratory droplets and transmitting them in the air. This raises the risks of being exposed to the virus, which increases risks to everyone in the same space.    

Reduce the Need to Speak too Loudly, by Using Hearing Aids

Wearing hearing aids lets you actively, and safely, engage in discussions with others. Instead of yelling at each other, you can all talk at a normal tone and lower the risk of infection. Hearing aids can also make it easier to listen to people with masks on. If someone is not wearing a clear mask, it removes the lip-reading cues that you depend on. Therefore, the additional amplification and clarity in speech can be beneficial during these times. 

COVID-19 and social distancing restrictions are going to be around for longer than anticipated. If you have hearing loss, wearing hearing aids lowers the risks of social distancing becoming social isolation, which can lead to depression. 

If you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and a hearing aid trial. We offer a variety of brands for a wide range of hearing loss.

Please be aware that Pure Sound services will only be available by appointment and for essential visits at this time. Essential visits include all appointments that require new hearing aid fittings, repairs and re-fittings. We ask that you please wait in your car, while wearing your mask, and place your hearing aids in a clean zip lock bag.  We will come to your car to get them. If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, or need supplies for your hearing aids, please call us before visiting one of our offices.

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