Hearing the Joy of the Holidays
The holidays are swiftly approaching. No matter what event you choose to celebrate, the likelihood that you’ll be attending or hosting at least one party within the next few months with someone with hearing loss in attendance is high.
Statistics show that 50% of us will have someone with hearing loss at our holiday table. Thirty percent of holiday gatherings will include someone with hearing aids.
To help you celebrate in a way that’s inclusive of your guests who may have hearing loss or wear hearing aids, we have put together a list of quick tips for your next event.
Break the party up into multiple rooms. We know how fun holiday parties are and the loud laughter and conversation that will ensue. Laughter and the act of trying to talk over one another may make it difficult for a person with hearing loss to follow conversations. Having a smaller, more enclosed room set up away from the main gathering space can be better for one-on-one conversations.
Lower the volume on holiday music. Music may be festive, but it can also work as a distraction and weaken everyone’s, especially those with hearing loss, ability to listen and converse if played too loud.
Have some board games and cards to play! Board and card games are a fantastic way to keep the party entertaining and allow multiple people to interact without needing a lot of conversation. Some hearing-friendly suggestions include Scrabble, Monopoly, Life, Apples to Apples, and Rummy.
Use paper/plastic (non-metal) eating utensils. Disposable plates and utensils will prevent that annoying and distracting clanking noise and make clean-up easier!
Try to use a round dining table. Using a round table will help those with difficulty hearing lip read and keep up with the conversations around them
Request an appointment with us to prepare for the holidays. We can help find a solution that works for you or give you the best tips on handling any hearing issues that may be worrying you.
