Understanding the Effect of Face Masks on the Use of Echolocation for Persons with Visual Impairments During COVID-19: An International Cross-sectional Online Survey (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Although a critical safety measure, preliminary studies have suggested that the use of a face mask may pose a problem for some users with disabilities. To date, little is known about how the wearing of a traditional face mask may pose a barrier to individuals with visual impairments who draw on auditory cues and echolocation techniques during independent travel. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to document the difficulties, if any, encountered during orientation and mobility due to the use of a face mask during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strategies used to address these barriers. METHODS 135 Individuals 18 years and older who self-identified as being blind, deafblind or having low vision and who could communicate in either English or French completed an anonymous online survey between March 29 and August 23, 2021. RESULTS In total, n=135 respondents (39% men, 61% women) between the ages of 18-79 (M=48.22, SD=14.48) participated. Overall, n=78 (58%) self-identified as blind and n=57 (42%) as having low vision. Thirteen (13%) identified as having a combined vision and hearing loss, and n=3 (2%) as deafblind. The most common face coverings used were cloth (89%, n=119) and surgical masks (55%, n=74). Among the barriers raised, participants highlight that face masks made it more difficult to locate people (64%), communicate with others (75%), and locate landmarks (61%). While the percentage of those who used a white cane before the pandemic did not substantially change, 6 of the 41 participants who were guide dog users prior to the pandemic reported no longer working with a guide dog at the time of the survey. Moreover, although guide dog users reported the highest level of confidence with independent travel before the pandemic, they indicated the lowest level of confidence a year after the pandemic began. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that participants were less able to draw on non-visual cues during independent travel and social interactions due to the use of a facemask, contributing to a reduction in perceived self-confidence and independence. Findings inform the development of evidence-based recommendations to address identified barriers. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable