Wow! The holidays are already up on us!
If you suffer from any degree of hearing loss, the holidays may not be as fun or exciting as they used to be. The anticipation of the holidays may be replaced with anxiety when you think about trouble communicating at gatherings and parties.
There may also be a fear of embarrassment when there is misunderstanding or miscommunication. Parties can be tricky because background noise can make normal interactions much more difficult, which can be overwhelming and exhausting.
These worries are enough for some people to not want to participate in festivities at all! But it would be a shame to miss out on the celebration. With a little preparation you can feel comfortable to attend these gatherings and get the most out of your holiday experience, even if you have hearing issues.
Alert the Host
When you are invited to a gathering, contact the host just to let them know you sometimes have difficulty hearing in group settings.
Letting them know about your insecurities in this area helps them to help you in any way they can, like being mindful of the seating arrangement.
Lower the Music and Turn up the Lights!
Evening holiday parties often have loud music playing and low lights. If your host is aware that these things can make communication difficult for you, they can adjust these things to accommodate you without changing the overall experience for anyone else!
Segregate the Spaces
Many gatherings have a variety of activities going on at once. If this is the case, it may be possible to section each activity into a different room or area. The meal can be in one room, for example, while the karaoke is in another, and games are somewhere else. That way things are less chaotic in each area and background noise can be kept to a minimum.
Take a Break!
Have you heard of hearing loss fatigue? When hearing loss is a factor, communication can become more of an effort than it was before. If you start to feel overwhelmed or tired, try taking a quick break outside or in a quiet room. Just doing this one thing can help you to feel refreshed and ready to mingle again!
Prioritize Communication
To interact in conversations, you have to be able to hear and understand what is happening. Ask the host if you can sit in the middle of the table instead of on one of the ends (because sometimes they will seat elders at the end to honor us). This way you’ll be in the center of the conversation and be able to hear everything that is said.
If the host understands the struggles you face, they can help to ensure you have the best experience possible.
Here at Diablo Hearing Services we are committed to your hearing health. Call us today to set up an appointment for a hearing screening. We can discuss hearing aid options with you and work with you to find one that fits your budget.
Diablo Hearing Services 2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106 San Ramon CA94583 (925) 394-4646