With all the twinkling lights, ice skating, peppermint drinks and gift wrap, there’s a lot to love about the holidays. But nothing makes them quite as magical as spending quality time with your loved ones.
If any of your loved ones have hearing loss, finding ways to help them feel included in the season is essential. Let’s look at a few practical ways to help your loved ones enjoy their holiday to the fullest.
1. Encourage Clear Conversation
Family gatherings often involve overlapping conversations, which can make it difficult for someone with hearing loss to follow along, and even harder for them to join in. Rather than simply speaking louder, which can sometimes make understanding harder, ask people to speak clearly and at a reasonable volume. You can also rephrase sentences or add extra context to make points clearer.
2. Make Eye Contact
Visual cues, like lip reading and facial expressions, play a significant role in speech comprehension. When speaking, face your loved one directly and avoid distractions like phones or TVs. This small gesture can greatly reduce misunderstandings.
3. Minimize Background Noise
A 2021 study found that individuals without hearing loss can process two sounds separately. In contrast, people with hearing loss are more likely to blend those sounds, making it difficult for them to understand speech in noisy environments. If you’re hosting a get-together, keep music to a minimum and turn off the TV during dinner.
4. Go Holiday Shopping Together
Shopping in Putnam’s jam-packed stores during the busy weeks before Christmas can feel chaotic for anyone. For people with hearing loss, the mix of rattling carts, buzzing conversations and beeping registers adds an extra challenge. Going along on shopping trips with your loved one can make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
5. Ask and Listen
Hearing loss affects everyone differently, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Ask your loved one what helps them communicate best. Offering support when they request it and not assuming what they need ensures they feel comfortable and included.
The holidays are meant for connection, and a little mindfulness goes a long way toward making everyone feel welcome. By using these tips, you can help your loved one participate fully in the celebration. To learn more about supporting your loved ones with hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test, contact ENT Associates of Worcester today.