Article published on the effect on speech intelligibility of face masks

The January Acoustics Bulletin, published by the Institute of Acoustics, featured a study authored by Professor Peter Mapp into the acoustic and communication effects of face masks. The study carried out in Peter’s own electroacoustics laboratory during lock down, measured the sound transmission properties of over 20 facemasks and found some surprising effects. Clear masks and masks with clear panels, specifically designed to aid lip reading, essential for the deaf and hard of hearing, were ironically found to attenuate and distort speech the most.  Peter is now continuing the research and looking at both mechanical and electroacoustic methods of improving speech transmission and has received interest from several national hearing charities.