BRADENTON, Fla. — A Manatee County man who was born hearing impaired is now manufacturing clear masks to help people who are struggling to hear.
Ty Salvatore was born with only five percent hearing. He says that made learning a challenge for him.
"I had to be in front so I could see the teacher’s mouth and now that’s taken away," said Salvatore.
When Salvatore learned face masks would be required for children and teachers in school, he knew he had to do something to help people who are hearing impaired by able to read lips.
"They need to be able to emulate their educator and their educator needs to be able to look at them to make sure they’re emulating them properly," said Salvatore.
Salvatore created a hybrid face mask. It is worn the same as a cloth mask but uses a clear shield over the mouth.
"We have been overwhelmed with orders and have people telling us how much these masks have helped," said Salvatore.
Salvatore owns Tyton Designs in Bradenton where they have manufactured and filled more than 16,000 hybrid mouth shield orders in just over a month.
One of those orders was from the Pasco County School District that ordered 1,000 hybrid masks for bus drivers.
Salvatore says he’s keeping the price down to just $3 a mask so anyone who needs one can afford it.
To learn more about the masks and how to order visit wehavemasks.com.
