Ford Motor Co. has designed and created clear N95 face masks so that hearing impaired people can read lips while protecting themselves from Covid-19, the company announced Tuesday.

A patent is pending for the new design, which is awaiting federal approval to qualify for N95 status from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The low-cost, reusable respirators may supplement or replace the use of cloth masks that block facial expression and lips from view as mask wearers seek protection from the increased threat of new coronavirus variants. In addition to the hearing impaired, these masks could be used by people who depend on facial expressions to better do their jobs, like teachers.

Source: Clear N95 face masks designed by Ford could be huge for hearing impaired, teachers