Deaf mum flooded with orders after designing face mask that enables people to lip read

A DEAF mum has been inundated with orders after designing face masks with a clear window that allow people to lip read.

Justine Bate, 42, from Manchester, originally made the masks, which feature a plastic window over the mouth, to help herself and her daughter, Teona, 10, who is also deaf.

The graphic designer was worried Teona, 10 would not be able to socialise with friends back at school if she cannot see their mouths. Since she advertised the masks on social media she has been inundated with orders from care homes and other deaf people in the community.

Mrs Bate, from Manchester, said: “We can’t make them quickly enough for what people need. From the messages we are getting a lot of people are from care homes – people who have got dementia and children who have got certain types of autism where they are actually scared of people with this full face mask on, it is easier as they do not get scared.”

The masks, which Mrs Bate makes on a sewing machine in her loft, cost £5.99 each including postage and packaging.