For people who have hearing loss, family meals and gatherings can be a challenge. Everyone is conversing loudly and at the same time.
Combine that with the clattering of dishes, scraping of chairs, and background music, and you have a situation in which it is challenging for people with hearing loss to enjoy themselves. There are a few ways you can make these noisy gatherings more enjoyable for you and your family if you have a hard time hearing out of one or both ears or if you wear a hearing aid.
Talk to Your Loved Ones First
Before everybody gathers, it’s crucial that you help your family make adjustments by talking about your hearing impairment with them. They can then discuss it with their children and other family members, so everyone will know, for instance, to try and look at you when they are talking. It might seem like an awkward discussion to have, but it makes the meal much more enjoyable for everybody when you can actively engage.
Sit in The Center of The Table
In some cases, it’s tradition to sit at a certain spot 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. If you are in the middle of the table, you probably won’t have to strain as much to hear what people are saying. Be certain you speak up and let your family know if there is a spot at the table that’s best for you.
Request a Lower Music Volume
Having hearing loss makes it difficult to filter out background noise and focus on conversation which makes it a particularly challenging problem. Ask your family to turn the music off or at least lower the volume. At restaurants, ask to be seated away from the kitchen and the speakers.
Technology Can Help
If you don’t already have them, consider purchasing directional microphones or an FM system. Voices you want to hear are amplified and you can isolate background noise by facing away from it using these technologies.
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 let them know. Hearing loss should never stop you from enjoying the fun of the holidays with your loved ones. Your family members will be happy to help you with any adjustments you might need to make during your meal.
