It’s that time of year again. As the Holidays fast approach, people worldwide begin preparing for the season. But for those with hearing impairments, the holidays present an entirely different set of obstacles to overcome to have an enjoyable holiday. We have gathered some of the best tips to help enhance the holidays for the hearing-impaired.
Holidays for the Hearing-Impaired: Hearing Loss Tips
Practice Active Listening Skills
One of the best parts of the holidays is the connections and contacts with those we love and care for. Practice active listening by paying closer attention to those we are talking with. Make sure to look at them and avoid speaking across the room or from another room.
Eliminate Background Noises
The small noises in the background can quickly add up to a dull roar. While normal hearing is able to filter these sounds out, most hearing aids are not so advanced. Many devices can be quickly overwhelmed by background noise. Setting up a quiet corner or room will allow people a break from sounds that can overwhelm sensitive hearing.
Pay Attention to Lighting Conditions
Dark environments can quickly interfere with communications for those counting on being able to read lips. Make sure the lighting is sufficient to allow for good visibility. The same goes for decorations; anything that can block line-of-sight should be avoided. Use smaller or low-setting decorations on tables to assist.
Remember the Little Things
Besides the obvious, there are a lot of little things you can do to make the holiday more hearing-loss friendly. Make sure to turn on closed captioning for anything playing on the television so you can keep the volume low. Use planned seating to ensure guests can sit by those who can provide assistance or conversation. Don’t hesitate to ask for help in understanding or repeating a word or statement; the more understanding, the more connection. Which is what the season is all about.
Here at the New York Hearing Center, we want to wish you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Active listening involves paying close attention to the person speaking by looking directly at them and avoiding conversations where the speaker is across the room or in another room. This approach helps those with hearing impairments better understand and engage in conversations during holiday gatherings.
Background noises can overwhelm hearing aids and make it difficult for hearing-impaired individuals to follow conversations. Setting up a quiet corner or room during holiday events provides a respite from excessive noise, allowing them to engage more comfortably and reduce auditory stress.
Good lighting is crucial because many hearing-impaired people rely on lip-reading and facial expressions to understand conversations. Ensuring sufficient lighting and using small or low-set decorations that don't block the line of sight facilitates better visibility and communication.
Hosts can turn on closed captioning for television programs to keep volume low, plan seating arrangements so guests can sit next to those who can assist with conversations, and encourage asking for repetitions or clarifications. These small changes foster a more inclusive and comfortable environment.
Encouraging hearing-impaired individuals to ask for clarifications or repetitions helps avoid misunderstandings and promotes clearer connections. This openness strengthens communication and supports meaningful interactions during the holiday season.
Avoid decorations that block the line of sight, such as large or tall centerpieces on tables. Using smaller or low-setting decorations ensures clear visibility between guests, which is essential for lip-reading and nonverbal communication.
