The Clear Talker mask is the latest invention from the Central Virginia VA Health Care System meant to aid in communication between patients and staff. The device, a product of the hospital’s Assistive Technology (AT) team, could revolutionize this key piece of peoples’ everyday lives.

When masks became a requirement at all federal health care facilities, AT realized how much current surgical masks hindered communication.

“I noticed after wearing a mask all day that I would come home and my eyes were tired,” said Melissa Oliver, occupational therapist and program coordinator of the AT team. “I had to rely on just my eyes to physically express my greeting.”