If you have hearing loss, events you used to look forward to, like holiday parties, may bring on stress instead of joy. However, it doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Learn to love the holidays and all of the parties with family and friends again with our tips for attending holiday parties with hearing loss.
Here are 5 tips and tricks you should use when planning to attend a holiday party this season:
- Tell your friends and family that you have hearing loss and let them know how to best help.
- Face people when they are talking to you so that you can better. Focus on what others are saying and pick up on facial queues or body language to help you interpret everything.
- Don’t try to communicate with everyone at once, instead keep conversations in small groups. Sit with or stand next to the people you are conversing with, don’t try to communicate with someone across the room.
- Don’t fake it; if you didn’t hear someone, ask them to repeat themselves.
- Take a few breaks. Stepping out for a bit away from everything can give your ears a chance to “reset”. Rejoin the party feeling refreshed and ready to listen again.
Here are a few things you can ask of your party host to help you hear and enjoy their party:
- Ask them to refrain from playing loud music or television; at least not in every room. This can allow you to have a space to stay where there is less background noise. That area should also be free of fans, or other devices that might cause ambient noise or humming, etc.
- Ask if they can keep the lights on. This will help you see and focus on who is speaking. It especially helps if you read lips.
- Ask to get involved. Help prepare drinks or the food, make a toast at dinner, or plan a craft or activity with the kids. If you can be in charge of something, you control the volume and stay on top of what is happening.
Consult with the Hearing Experts at Kenwood Hearing Center
If you or a loved one would like to speak with one of our experienced hearing care professionals, please contact us via our website in order to schedule an appointment online.