The holiday season can be the perfect time to connect with family and build memories with your loved ones. But if you are suffering from hearing loss, then there are unique challenges you are facing during this time of year. It can be difficult to spend time at social events and crowded gatherings when you are struggling with your hearing.
The reality is that many holiday activities are not conducive for people suffering from hearing loss. It can be hard to engage in the conversations and events when the gatherings are crowded, there is a lot of background noise, and overlapping conversations are happening between other people around you.
One of the concerning impacts of hearing loss is that people tend to withdraw from social interactions. Being in loud and overstimulating environments can be quite tiring if you are unable to hear the conversations clearly. So, it might be tempting to simply stay at home.
But there is good news: integrating a few thoughtful strategies can help you enjoy this holiday season and enable you to connect with your loved ones. Here are a few tips to consider during this time of year:
One of the keys to success with your upcoming holiday activities is to plan ahead. If you are managing hearing loss, then consider reaching out to the host to discuss your needs in advance.
Most hosts are happy to accommodate your needs, especially when they know how to help you have a more enjoyable experience. Simple requests can make a big difference at these holiday events. For example, you might request to be seated in a quieter area or ask that they keep the background music a little softer to reduce competing noises.
When you are choosing your position in the room, it’s a good idea to be placed at the center of the conversation. Also, consider having your back to a wall so that you can avoid background noise from behind.
Also, plan your timeline so that you arrive at the party early. When you are one of the first guests to arrive, it allows you to pick a seat that will suit your needs. You will also have the chance to interact with other people in a quieter environment before the rest of the guests come to the party.
Consider using different types of technology that can help you have a better experience. The most common type of technology for hearing loss is the use of hearing aids. Modern advancements have improved the effectiveness and comfort of these devices, including noise-reduction features and directional microphones that help you focus on the conversation that is happening near you. Consult with your audiologist to ensure you are using the right hearing aids for your unique needs.
If you know that TVs or music will be part of the holiday experience, then coordinate to use streaming features that integrate with your hearing aids. These modern devices often make it possible for you to connect to the sound source directly.
Finally, Assistive Living Devices (ALDs) can be helpful for amplifying specific sounds that you need to hear. You can use a portable tool that will make it easier for you to participate in a group conversation.
Most party guests are happy to accommodate when you are proactive about advocating for yourself. One of the easiest things that you can do is explain your hearing loss to other people who are seated around you. This heads-up makes it easier for them to be mindful, speak clearly, and face you while they are talking.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask for repetition or clarification if you miss a part of the conversation. This two-way communication helps everyone stay on the same page.
If you are trying to have a conversation with someone and the environment is getting too loud, then suggest that you move to a quieter space. It can be overwhelming to continue with these conversations in a loud and uncomfortable environment.
People with hearing loss naturally develop their abilities to lean on visual communication cues. These holiday gatherings and social events give you an opportunity to use these skills even more.
Lip reading can be a great way to understand others more effectively. Position yourself so that you have a clear view of the speaker’s face, and make sure the lighting is sufficient so you can see their lips moving.
Also, pay attention to the gestures and facial expressions that are occurring while the person is talking. These clues can offer context in the conversation.
When you have hearing loss, background noises are often some of the most challenging aspects of participating in social activities. If possible, choose smaller, more intimate conversations in quieter parts of the house instead of trying to jump into bigger group conversations.
Also, give yourself permission to step away and take a break when needed. If you are feeling tired or overwhelmed, then it can be helpful to step into a quieter room for a while. This time alone will allow your ears and brain to rest so that you can avoid fatigue. If needed, coordinate with the host in advance so you know where you can go when you need a quiet space.
Remember that you can always set boundaries with your participation in group activities. While there is often pressure to attend all holiday events that are happening, you must prioritize your own needs. It’s ok for you to only attend smaller get-togethers, or you might choose to stay for a shorter time at the bigger events.
Not only do you need the right hearing aids for your unique needs, but make sure that you are proactive about maintenance to ensure that these devices are ready for all of your upcoming activities. Check the batteries and have chargers on hand to minimize interruptions. Consider scheduling a tune-up with our team to optimize the performance of your hearing aids. If you need personalized assistance, our team at Fairfax Hearing Center is always here to help. Contact us at your convenience to schedule a consultation.
