The holiday season is all about connecting with family and friends, but if you or a loved one has hearing loss, these gatherings can be challenging. However, with some preparation, you can enjoy more inclusive and meaningful conversations all year long! Below, we explore some practical tips for individuals with hearing loss and their families to ensure the holiday season is comfortable, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.
Choose the best position for optimal hearing
Where you sit in a group can make a big difference in how well you hear the conversation. Whenever possible, position yourself in a quieter corner or at a table with a clear view of everyone’s faces. This helps reduce background noise and allows you to pick up on visual cues like facial expressions and lip movements. If you’re in a restaurant or busy room, try sitting with your back to the wall to minimize distractions and ambient sounds from behind you.
For family and friends, keep in mind that seating arrangements matter. Consider setting up a quiet space with good lighting where everyone can converse more comfortably. Avoid placing someone with hearing loss near speakers, windows, or open doors where noise can interfere.
Create quiet spaces for conversation
Holiday gatherings can be lively, and noisy environments make it difficult to hear, even with hearing aids. Setting aside a designated quiet area for more personal conversations can be beneficial. This could be a cozy corner away from the main activity or even a separate room where family members can chat in a quieter setting.
If you’re hosting, be mindful of music volume, and encourage other guests to use these quieter spaces when speaking with family members who have hearing loss. A bit of planning can go a long way toward making the atmosphere more comfortable for everyone!
Encourage clear speech and face visibility
For individuals with hearing loss, reading facial cues and lips is an essential part of communication. Family members and friends can help by speaking clearly, at a moderate pace, and by not covering their mouths. Avoid speaking too loudly, which can distort sounds and actually make understanding more difficult.
Positioning yourself so that your face is well-lit and easy to see can make a big difference. Avoid talking from across the room, and if needed, gently remind others to face you directly when speaking. Small gestures like these can help conversations flow more naturally and reduce misunderstandings.
Reduce background noise
Reducing background noise is one of the most effective ways to support hearing-friendly conversations. When dining, turn down music and avoid running noisy appliances. If there’s a large group, consider breaking into smaller, more manageable conversations rather than speaking in one big group, as this can make it easier for those with hearing loss to follow along.
For families, remember that turning off or lowering background sounds can allow everyone to hear each other better. Simple adjustments like these can make a big difference for anyone struggling to hear in a busy setting.
Plan ahead and seek professional support
If you’re experiencing difficulty hearing, consider seeking support from a hearing specialist before the holidays. New advancements in hearing aids and assistive devices can dramatically improve communication in social settings. Many devices have noise-reducing features specifically designed for busy environments, so it’s worth exploring options that can provide extra support during gatherings.
Additionally, apps designed to assist with hearing loss, such as speech-to-text apps, can be helpful tools for those who want to stay engaged in the conversation. With some intentional foresight, you can enter the holiday season feeling more confident and connected than ever.
Keep communication fun and inclusive
Communication challenges can be frustrating, but with some flexibility and understanding, holiday conversations can be enjoyable for everyone! Use games and activities that encourage conversation, such as storytelling or holiday-themed trivia, where everyone has a turn to speak and listen. Focus on creating inclusive interactions where everyone, regardless of hearing ability, can feel valued and involved.
Making the holidays enjoyable for everyone
With a few thoughtful adjustments, families can make the holiday season more inclusive for loved ones with hearing loss. By positioning yourself thoughtfully, creating quiet spaces, encouraging clear speech, and reducing background noise, you can help make gatherings less stressful and more enjoyable. Hearing loss doesn’t have to be a barrier to connection. With some planning and awareness, everyone can be part of the holiday festivities and share in the joy of the season!
Find a hearing specialist near you to schedule an appointment before the holidays.