Commentary: Robin writes by Robin Garrison Leach - Pandemic masks real conversations Robin Garrison Leach FacebookTwitterEmail I wish everybody could take off their masks so I could hear them. It’s getting a bit embarrassing to say “what?” all the time. First of all, I had no idea how diminished my hearing really was. I’ve had a few occasions of miscommunication at work over the past couple of years. But I work in a library. It’s not unusual that a hushed conversation could be misheard. But for the most part, I was able to understand statements or questions directed my way. I’d respond with an answer that was in harmony with the subject being discussed.