Hearing Health Blog

Family gathered at a holiday meal and making a lot of noise.

For people with hearing loss, family dinners and gatherings can be a challenge. Everybody is conversing loudly and at the same time.

It becomes even more difficult for people who have hearing loss when you add other noises like background music, chairs scraping, and dishes clattering. If you have difficulty hearing from one or both ears, or you wear a hearing aid, there are several steps you can take to make these big, noisy gatherings more enjoyable for you and your family.

Have a Talk With Your Loved Ones First

It is essential that you talk about your hearing loss with your family before a big meal, so they can make adjustments to help you deal with the background noise. Your family can then do the things that will make communicating simpler like looking at you when they talk. It will make the meal much more enjoyable for everyone even if the conversation is a bit difficult.

Sit in The Center of The Table

Family tradition might dictate that you sit at the head or near the end of the table at big meals, but those spots make it more difficult for you to hear conversations. You won’t have as hard of a time hearing conversations from the middle of the table. If there is a place at the table you know is best for you, don’t hesitate to tell your loved ones your preference.

Request a Lower Music Volume

Having hearing loss makes it hard to filter out background noise and focus on conversation which makes it a particularly challenging issue. Ask your family to turn the music off or at least decrease the volume. At restaurants, try to sit away from the kitchen and the speakers.

Look at New Technologies

An FM system or a directional microphone are helpful solutions if you don’t already have them. Voices you want to hear are amplified and you can isolate background noise by turning away from it with these technologies.

Don’t Attempt to Bluff Your Way Through

Your loved ones won’t know you’re struggling to hear if you don’t let them know. Hearing loss should never prevent you from enjoying the fun of the holidays with your loved ones. Your loved ones will be happy to assist you with any adjustments you might need to make during your meal.

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The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.
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