The holidays are upon us, and large family gatherings and dinners in crowded restaurants can prove especially difficult for people with hearing loss. Everybody is conversing loudly and at the same time.
Combine that with the clanging of dishes, scraping of chairs, and background music, and you have a scenario in which it is difficult for individuals with hearing loss to have a good time. There are a few ways you can make these noisy gatherings more enjoyable for you and your family if you have a tough time hearing out of one or both ears or if you wear a hearing aid.
Before Get-Togethers, Have a Talk With Your Family
Before everybody gets together, it’s crucial that you help your family make adjustments by discussing your hearing loss with them. They can then explain it to their children and other family members, so people know, for instance, to try and face you when they are talking. It will make the meal much more enjoyable for everyone even if the conversation is a bit awkward.
Sit in The Middle of The Table
Sometimes, it’s tradition to sit at a certain place at the table, but the best place to sit if you want to have an easier time hearing conversation isn’t at the head or near the end of the table, it’s near the middle. You will not have as hard of a time hearing conversations from the middle of the table. Be certain you speak up and let your family know if there is a place at the table that’s best for you.
Request a Lower Music Volume
Background noise poses a considerable problem for people with hearing loss because it is hard for their ears to filter out this noise and focus in on spoken words. If you are at a family gathering, ask that the music is turned off or set at a very low background level. At restaurants, ask to be seated away from the kitchen and the speakers.
Think About New Technologies
If you don’t already have them, think about investing in directional microphones or an FM system. Voices you want to hear are amplified and you can isolate background noise by facing away from it using these technologies.
Attempting to Bluff Your Way Through Isn’t Good Plan
Your family members won’t know you’re struggling to hear if you don’t let them know. Hearing loss should never stop you from enjoying the fun of the holidays with your family. If there are adjustments needed mid-meal, your family will be glad to give you a hand.