Holiday dinners are full of great food, time with your loved ones and lots of laughter. However, for those with hearing loss, they may also present some unique challenges.
Approximately one in eight people in the United States aged 12 years or older has some degree of hearing loss in both ears. Hearing loss can make communication with others difficult and exhausting. Luckily, a few useful tips can help you accommodate your hearing loss to enjoy your next holiday dinner to its fullest extent.
Wear Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are an excellent addition to any holiday dinner. These small but powerful devices can help you communicate with your loved ones by collecting and amplifying speech sounds and reducing irrelevant background noise.
Rather than draining all your mental energy and attempting to understand people amidst the chaos of a multi-person holiday dinner, you can use it to fully engage and enjoy your time with your loved ones.Â
Choose a Good Seat
Hearing loss can make it difficult to understand people when they aren’t directly facing you. Choose a centrally located seat, preferably against a wall, to better engage with your loved ones. Sitting against a wall will cut down on distracting background noise, and sitting centrally will give you direct access to the greatest amount of people.
If you are attending a dinner in someone else’s home, consider calling ahead to ask if the host can make seating arrangements to accommodate your hearing loss.
Lean On Your Family and Friends
The holidays are the perfect time to open up to your friends and family about your hearing loss. Choosing to discuss your hearing loss is a very personal matter, but it may allow your loved ones to support you.
It may feel easier to nod along and pretend you understand what is being said around you, but always remember that you deserve to participate fully in holiday dinner conversation. Be bold and ask people to repeat or rephrase what they said. You will feel happier knowing you’re a part of the conversation, and your loved ones will feel valued knowing you’re taking the time to fully understand what they say. Â
For more information about managing your hearing loss this holiday season, contact Spartanburg | Greer ENT & Allergy today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.
