How to Host a Hearing-Friendly Party
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.
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.
Try to use a round dinner table. Using a round table will help those with difficulty hearing to lip read and keep up with the conversations going on around them.
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 would 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 fun, while also allowing 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, as well as make clean up easier!
If you’re attending a holiday party or large event this year and want to get free hearing protection or a hearing screening beforehand, you can set up a consultation on this page. Happy holidays from Hearing Health Associates!
