top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French sisters design mask to allow lip-reading

A French start-up run by two sisters and a friend has designed a mask with a transparent window so people who are hearing-impaired can still lip-read.

The new Masque Inclusif is one of two such government approved masks in France and has a washable, anti-fog window that conforms to health standards.

The story behind the invention

Company founder Anissa Mekrabech, 30, a leather goods designer, came up with the idea from personal experience after suffering mild bilateral hearing loss since childhood. Once the mask rule came in, she found herself in shops, one metre away from cashiers who were behind a Plexiglas screen wearing a mask – and unable to hear well.

Mandatory masks in the workplace in France: FAQs

“I was a little lost,” she said. “I couldn’t hear well. I usually rely on lip-reading, which was impossible in this situation with masks.” She had seen a similar project in the US and launched the start-up ASA Initia in Toulouse with her sister Souad and friend Aïda Najjar. The mask is available from masqueinclusif.com.

A second company Odiora from Lyon is now also making lip-reading masks under the name ‘Masque sourire’. In France, seven million people are registered as having a hearing deficiency, with 182,000 of them considered severely deaf.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France