Public awareness

Covid 19: Tip to reduce or prevent ear pain from prolonged masks wearing

Yoon Wai Lam
Pain or itching on ear caused by mask straps

Pain or itching on the ear caused by mask straps from prolonged mask wearing has been a common complaint.
There are many custom made “ear saver” ideas that you can find from Google. Some people are selling these ideas, you may be familiar with the term “mask strap extender”.

‘Ear saver ‘ ideas from Google

Personally, I have tried using a paper clip and it was not very comfortable.
After some experimenting, I have found a design that I would like to share with you to help you make a comfortable “ear saver”.

Here in Singapore, I have taught some of the healthcare professionals and food sellers to make this “ear saver” and the feedback has been good.

The materials required are simple. Just use an elastic band or string!

Tie both mask straps together with the elastic band/string and customise it to a length you are comfortable with.

Just found out another great ‘ear saver’ idea by my Japanese friend Ms Kotomi Sakai.

DIY Ear Saver by Ms Kotomi Sakai using spiral hair tie

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Published by Yoon Wai Lam

Wai Lam is the director and founder of Speech Therapy Works LLP and Singapore Swallowing Specialists Network. He has more than 20 years of experience in adult speech, language and swallowing therapy. He is the inventor of the Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR), a award winning swallowing therapy exercise that is currently practiced worldwide. He is a well known dysphagia trainer in the region and he has trained hundreds of speech therapists both locally and regionally. He is often consulted by speech therapists and other healthcare professionals for complex cases involving both speech and swallowing difficulties in Singapore and overseas. He is also a reviewer of the Dysphagia Journal.

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