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With or without a hearing loss, the end of the year can be a stressful time and it helps to be prepared.
Even if no one in your family has a hearing loss, preparing for those busy holiday gatherings will make it more enjoyable for everyone. If you are hosting a gathering, implement these hearing-friendly ideas:
Create different listening environments. The kids play together in one room, while the adults listen to the ball game or music in another. When it’s time to gather at the table, turn off the music and TV so you can focus on the conversation.
Assign seats. If someone has a hearing loss, they’ll enjoy the conversation more if they’re seated where they can see everyone’s faces. Ask them where they’d like to sit. If they have a “better ear” that may dictate the best seat for them.
Don’t dim the lights. Many people with hearing loss rely on good lighting to read lips and get facial cues during group conversations — with or without hearing aids.
Delay clean up. Clinking, clanging dishes make it difficult to hear the conversation and takes you away from your guests. Try waiting until everyone has left to clean the dishes.
Advocate for yourself. If you are a guest and you have a hearing loss, don’t be afraid to politely to speak up for yourself if the TV or music is interfering with your ability to participate in the conversation or if you need closed captioning turned on when watching the football game. If you prefer, have a word with the host before the event begins.
Remember, you were invited because you are important to your host — they don’t want you to feel left out.
There are many articles out in the internet with tips on successfully communicating during the holidays:
https://blog.aarp.org/healthy-living/how-to-make-the-holidays-more-hearing-friendly
https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53277-Tips-for-holiday-parties-or-family-dinners-hearing-loss-hearing-aids-guests
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