For people with hearing loss, family dinners and gatherings can be challenging. Not only do multiple people often talk at the same time in these situations, but they also raise their voices to be heard over each other.
It becomes even harder for people who have hearing loss when you add other noises like background music, dishes clattering, and chairs scraping. There are a few ways you can make these noisy gatherings more enjoyable for you and your family if you have a difficult time hearing out of one or both ears or if you wear a hearing aid.
Have a Talk With Your Loved Ones First
It is crucial that you discuss 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 smoother like facing 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
Sometimes, it’s tradition to sit at a certain place at the table, but the best place to sit if you want to have an easier time hearing conversation isn’t at the head or near the end of the table, it’s in the middle. You won’t have as hard of a time hearing conversations from the middle of the table. If there is a spot at the table you know is best for you, don’t hesitate to tell your loved ones your preference.
Ask That The Music be Turned Down
Background noise can be a major challenge for people with hearing loss because it’s hard for their ears to filter out this noise and focus in on spoken words. If you are at a family gathering, ask that the music is turned off or set at a very low volume. At restaurants, ask to be seated away from the kitchen and the speakers.
Think About New Technologies
An FM system or a directional microphone are useful options if you don’t already have them. Both of these technologies can help you isolate background noise by turning away from it and amplifying the voices you need to hear to make out a conversation.
Attempting to Bluff Your Way Through Isn’t Good Plan
Your loved ones won’t know you’re struggling to hear if you don’t inform them. Hearing loss should never stop you from enjoying the fun of the holidays with your family. If there are adjustments you need to make mid-meal, your family will be glad to help out.