The holidays bring family and friends together for special meals and events, and while this can be a wonderful time to reconnect with our loved ones, it brings special challenges to the hard of hearing. Here are some ideas for individuals with hearing loss, as well as how hosts can accommodate guests with hearing loss to ensure everyone can enjoy this special season together.
Tips for Guests With Hearing Loss
- Accept that at busy gatherings with a lot of commotion you will not hear everything. Be patient with yourself and with others.
- Don’t bluff! If you don’t hear something, let others know that you have hearing loss and how they can better communicate with you. For example, you may ask them to rephrase rather than repeat what they just said, or ask them to speak more slowly. Most people are happy to help when they know how.
- If you have special settings in your device for difficult listening environments, try them out! You might also have a microphone accessory that works with your hearing aids that can help when you ask your communication partner to wear it.
- If you can, choose seating with your back against a wall which may help you hear better in noise. Alternately you may choose a seat at the table where you can best see everyone’s face to make use of visual cues.
Tips for Hosts
- Try to keep extra noise to a minimum. Turn off the TV or music if it is just background sound. This will help your guests focus more easily on conversation.
- Round dinner tables make it easier for guests to use visual cues to help with communication.
- Create a more intimate area for conversation where your hard of hearing guest can socialize.
- Be an ally for your hard of hearing guests. Be attentive to their needs and try to facilitate inclusion if you see signs that they are struggling to be a part of the gathering.
Please contact our office if you or a loved one are showing signs of hearing loss.
