Abstract
The older adult population (65+ years old), is at risk for contracting COVID-19. In an attempt to reduce the spread of the virus, there has been an increase in social isolation through stay-at-home orders and distancing. For older adults with hearing loss, the feelings of isolation are exacerbated due to the decline in the ability to communicate, especially with the addition of masks and the physical distancing of six feet. 57 older adults with hearing loss responded to an open-ended question about their experiences with communicating during the pandemic. The themes that surfaced from the survey included virtual interactions, social interactions, hearing devices, masks, and changes to quality of life. While virtual interactions reported an improvement through technology and social media, participants reported negative experiences with in-person interactions, communicating with masks, and overall feelings of isolation.