How to Enjoy the Holidays with Hearing Aids

The holidays are right around the corner! For many of us, it's a time to reconnect with our loved ones and recharge. This is the time to chat, catch up, and check in from last year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve, there are many different festivities happening around the country. For those of us with hearing aids and hearing loss, the festivities may appear overwhelming, with so much background noise and multiple conversations going on at once. However, with preparation, you will enjoy the holidays this season!

Tips for Hosting Holiday Parties for Those with Hearing Aids

Inquire about Accommodations

You've probably already begun planning for Thanksgiving, asking your guests about dietary restrictions. Be sure to reach out and ask about other accommodations for accessibility – whether it is about staircases, bathrooms – and of course, hearing loss. For your guests with hearing loss, ask them if they'd like to sit next to particular people on the seating chart. Ask what else you can do to ensure they get the most out of festivities at your holiday party!

Turn Down the Music

Music is a staple of holiday festivities, from cheesy carols to traditional classics. We love to have music on to create a vibrant environment as well. However, be sure to keep your music at a reasonable volume, so that it does not make conversation difficult! Your guests will be involved in many different conversations throughout the night, which could already create a fair amount of background noise. When setting up furniture, be sure to keep speakers turned away so that people are able to sit and speak comfortably.

Use a Round Table

If it's possible, use a round table for dinner. Round tables make it easier for people to see one another while you eat, making it easier for people with hearing loss to read visual cues and lips, if necessary. If you don't have a round table and are planning a buffet style meal, set up your chairs in circular formations for the same useful effect.

Set Up Different Spaces for Socializing

It may be overwhelming for your guests with hearing loss to be in one big room when everyone speaks at once. Come to think of it, it may be overwhelming for those without hearing loss too! Set up different, smaller spaces for socializing. This way people may have private conversations, whether in a small group or one-on-one. You may want to set up different rooms in your house, if possible. Quieter spaces for smaller group conversations make it easier for your hearing-impaired guests to participate.

Tips for Attending Holiday Parties with Hearing Aids

Notify Your Hosts of Your Needs Beforehand

If you feel comfortable, notify your hosts beforehand of your hearing loss. This could help them plan the set-up of the space and the seating chart. If you don't feel comfortable beforehand, but find that the music is too loud while you're at the party, don't hesitate to ask if they could turn down the music. Just keep in mind, your hosts want you to enjoy yourself!

Find a Quiet Corner to Talk

If you've found yourself trying to talk in loud spaces like public transportation hubs or busy restaurants, then you know how difficult it can be to make sense of conversation. Holiday parties tend to be loud because everyone is talking at once. If you find conversation difficult, move smaller group conversations off to the corner, or find another quiet place in the house to talk.

Pick a Dinner Buddy

More likely than not, you'll know a lot of the people at the party. Try to sit next to someone who is easy to understand, or someone who can fill in details that you may miss during dinner table conversation. If you notify your host beforehand, they may be able to accommodate these seating arrangements for you.

Come Prepared!

These days, there are so many options for amplification with your hearing aids. If you have wireless hearing aids that connect to your smartphones, you may have apps that help you amplify speech in loud environments. These apps activate your smartphone's microphone and stream amplified sounds directly to your hearing aids.

If you want to know more about these wireless technologies, feel free to ask us at Atlanta Hearing Doctor. From all of us at Atlanta Hearing Doctor, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!

Atlanta Hearing Doctor

You don't have to live through another holiday season unable to hear or understand those you love. Reach out to us today to schedule your hearing exam.