The holidays are all about getting together with friends and family. For some, hearing loss makes what should be enjoyable a stressful experience. However, it doesn’t have to be. We’re taking a look at what you should know about holiday parties and hearing loss.
With our tips designed for the host and tips for you, you’re sure to hear your best this holiday season!
Tips for the Host
If you are hosting a holiday dinner or party, and you know that any of your friends or family attending have hearing loss, there are three simple things you can do to make it easier for them to hear.
- Make sure to sit them in the right place. This simply means putting them in a well lit area away from any noise that might come from things like fans, air conditioners, heaters, or music.
- Speaking of the music, turn it down or off completely, and same with the television. Let your guests enjoy each other instead.
- Plan to get your loved one with hearing loss involved in the activities you have planned. This can include asking them to make a toast, pairing them with a buddy to help ensure they are able to communicate throughout the night, and looking out for them periodically to make sure everything is good.
Tips for You
If you have impaired hearing and are worried it might impact your communication during your holiday events, here are a few things you can do to avoid any issues.
- Let your friends and family know you have hearing loss and tell them how they can best help you to hear them.
- Face the person talking to you and focus on what they are saying.
- Don’t try to communicate with everyone at once, keep conversations small. Don’t try to talk to someone from across the room, go sit next to them.
- Don’t fake it, if you didn’t hear something, ask for it to be repeated.
- Don’t be afraid to move, and ask others to move to set the scene for success. This can include avoiding noisy areas, places with an echo, and searching for optimal lighting.
- Tell your host how to help you best ahead of time so that they can make accommodations for you.
Tips for Hearing Aid Users
If you wear hearing aids, of course they help you hear, but in some noisy gatherings with the whole family you still might need some help. Prepare ahead and make sure that your batteries are charged, your hearing aids are cleaned and working properly, and adjust the settings accordingly to the environment.
If you need a hearing aid check up prior to the holidays, schedule one today so that you can enjoy the rest of the season with your friends and family.
Have a Question? Contact Us Today!
At Anderson Audiology, our hearing specialists would be happy to help. Call us today on 702-997-2964. Alternatively, click here to request an appointment online.