Communication Tips for the Holiday Season

.

 

With the Holiday season in full swing, many of us look forward to getting together to celebrate with friends and family. As we prepare for family gatherings, it is important to make sure that all our loved ones can participate in the conversation and celebration. Sometimes, those experiencing hearing difficulties can withdraw from the social situations and feel left out. Fortunately, there are several solutions and tips that can help everyone be part of the conversation this year.

How Hearing Aids Can Help

Hearing aids help people become more socially engaged, feel a greater sense of safety, independence and confidence, and see a general improvement in their overall quality of life. New technological advances have revolutionized hearing aids in recent years.

Today’s hearing aids help people of all ages maintain active and healthy lifestyles. Many are virtually invisible, sitting discretely and comfortably inside the ear canal or over the ear. Some are even water-resistant, rechargeable or wireless.

If you have been thinking about getting hearing aids, now is the time. Start off this holiday season with a hearing test. Whether it’s conversation and laughter around the dinner table or watching television together, let the latest hearing aid technologies help you hear your best and stay connected with family and friends. Contact a CHS audiologist for more information.

.

 

 

 

Here are some tips for people with hearing loss to better enjoy holiday gatherings:

ASL

  • If you own a hearing aid, wear it to your family gathering and ensure it is fully charged.
  • If you have a directional hearing aid, place yourself so your back is to the noise and the speaker is in front of you to take advantage of the hearing aid feature.
  • Sit close to the person speaking and ensure you can see their face to help with speech reading.
  • Avoid noisy, crowded areas, like the kitchen and food area, and invite the other guest to a quieter area of the home/room.
  • Tell the person you are speaking with that you have hearing loss and suggest ways they can best communicate with you.
  • If your loved one has hearing loss, here is how you can help: 
    • Get the person’s attention before you speak
    • Face the person when you are speaking
    • Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
    • Repeat or rephrase if they do not understand
    • Lend inspiration and support by recommending that they go for a hearing test - and get hearing aids if they need them