Thanksgiving has already come and gone, and we are right in the middle of the holiday season. No matter how you celebrate this time of year, chances are your social calendars are quite packed! Whether it’s family get-togethers, office parties, or a trip to the Magic of McKee Festival of Lights you’re probably preparing for a lot of quality time spent with friends and loved ones.
If you struggle with hearing loss, holiday gatherings can be tricky to navigate. Thankfully there are several steps you can take to make socializing easier.
Hearing Aids Help with Holiday Socializing
Research shows that 70% of patients with hearing loss reported improved communication after they started using hearing aids. Using hearing aids is associated with stronger relationships and higher levels of confidence in social situations.
The holidays are full of special events with friends and loved ones. These events can be wonderful, joyous, and also very loud and chaotic. Having untreated hearing loss makes it nearly impossible to understand what is being said in loud environments like restaurants or dinner parties. Using hearing aids makes these kinds of social gatherings much easier for those with hearing loss.
Find a Quieter Setting
While many social events during the holidays are filled with music and lots of background noise, there are also quieter places to connect with loved ones. Whether that means moving into a different room or taking an after-meal walk, it can be helpful to find ways to connect with loved ones in less intense settings.
Tips for Virtual Holiday Gatherings
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is still a reality this holiday season. For some, that may mean they will be having virtual celebrations with family members who can’t travel. Virtual gatherings can pose their own unique set of challenges for people with hearing loss. However, they can be mitigated with the help of technology and a little organization.
Many platforms like Zoom and Google Meet have real-time captioning options. Enabling those can help you follow along with conversations. You could also use a speech-to-text app to create your own captions if you prefer.
Another option is to communicate what would be helpful for you before the meeting takes place. For example, you could send out an email asking if everyone could take turns and speak one at a time. This makes it easier to hear what is being said and helps you avoid missing out on your loved ones’ updates.
Whatever your plans for the holidays, we want you to be able to hear your best. If you would like more information or need to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, contact the experts at Aaron’s Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today.