Hearing loss can make it difficult to understand and participate in conversations. This difficulty is only amplified in environments with multiple people speaking at once, lots of background noise and rapid topic changes—all common occurrences during a busy Thanksgiving dinner.
While Thanksgiving gatherings may present challenges for people with hearing loss, there are a few ways you can help create communication ease.
Prepping for a Stress-Free Holiday
Planning for Thanksgiving can make the day more enjoyable and stress-free. Before attending your Thanksgiving gathering, set aside some quiet time for yourself. Consider taking a peaceful walk at Friendship Park, diving into a good book or listening to soothing music. These simple activities can help recharge your mind and ease the mental fatigue that often comes with a busy day of socializing.
Communication Strategies for Thanksgiving Gatherings
To make the most of the holiday, try these tips to ease the strain of hearing during social gatherings:
- Choose your seat wisely. Sit where you can see everyone’s faces for better lip-reading. Position yourself away from noisy areas like the kitchen or near a loud music speaker.
- Enlist a conversation partner. Ask a close family member to help you follow along or fill in any gaps you might miss. A conversation partner can be especially helpful during large gatherings where context is important.
- Tune up your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids come with advanced noise-reduction features that can improve clarity in crowded environments. If you wear hearing aids, check the batteries and settings beforehand. Your hearing healthcare provider can also help fine-tune them for group settings.
- Use visual and contextual clues. Watch for nonverbal cues like gestures or facial expressions to help understand the flow and context of conversation.
- Speak up about your needs. Let your friends and family know about your hearing loss so they can speak clearly and avoid talking over each other.
Hearing loss affects more than one in 10 people in the United States. While it may cause challenges, hearing loss doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying time with your family and friends. Consulting a hearing specialist before the holidays can make a world of difference. Whether it’s exploring hearing treatment options or adjusting your hearing aids, proactive care can improve your listening experience from the holidays and on. Contact Massachusetts Hearing Group to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists today.