Surviving and Thriving: Holiday Tips for People with Hearing Aids
Posted by DR Paul on Dec 04, 2023
The holiday season is a time for happiness, joy, and celebration. But for people with hearing aids, it can also be a time of difficulty, frustration, and anxiety. Whether you’re attending a family dinner or a holiday party, the noise level can be overwhelming. On top of that, hearing aids tend to have some difficulties in adjusting to the different sound environments that come with the holidays. But don’t worry, in this blog post, we’ve rounded up some tips and tricks to help you survive and thrive during the holiday season.
Communicate with others beforehand
It’s incredibly important to have open communication with your family and friends about your hearing aid needs before the holiday gatherings. Let them know how they can assist you during conversations such as maintaining eye contact or speaking clearly. This will ensure that everyone is aware of how to make you feel comfortable during the event.
Choose the Best Seating Arrangement
Make sure you secure the best seating arrangement in the event. Avoid sitting next to the speakers, and instead sit in a quieter area with plenty of space. When presented with a seating plan, make sure you ask the host to give you the best seats to ensure that you can hear the conversations better.
Turn on Your Phone App
Most hearing aids come with an accompanying mobile app that allows you to adjust the hearing aid settings easily. During the event, turn on your phone app so that you can quickly adjust your hearing aid settings according to the surrounding sound environments. If you find it too noisy, adjust your hearing aid to the restaurant or leisure mode.
Take a Break
Holiday gatherings may be long and noisy. Take a break in between conversation to give your ears some rest. Excuse yourself and take a 5 to 10-minute break outside or in a quieter room before returning. During this time, remove your hearing aid and let your ears breathe.
Bring Extra Batteries
Lastly, do not forget to pack extra batteries for your hearing aids. The last thing you want during the events is to have your hearing aid batteries die out. Not only will it be inconvenient, but it will also hinder your experience of the event.
Conclusion:
By implementing these tips and tricks during your holiday events, you can ensure that you will not only survive but also thrive during the gathering. Remember to communicate with others about your hearing aid needs, choose the best seats, turn on your phone app, take a break, and pack extra batteries. This holiday season will be much more enjoyable without worrying about hearing difficulties, and you can spend your time enjoying your family and friends' company. Happy Holidays!