Carrying on a conversation at a crowded holiday party can be a challenge, even if you have perfect hearing. If you require a hearing aid, it gets even more difficult to understand others amidst the clinking of glasses and hum of voices. With a few simple tricks, however, you can still connect over meaningful conversations during the festivities.

5 Tips for Enjoying the Holiday With Hearing Loss

1. Strategize Your Location

If you’re at a dinner party, sit toward the middle of the table where you can see everyone, and away from distractions like the kitchen. If you’re at a house party, set up camp on a sofa, and invite someone to sit with you. While others stand, you’ll be beneath the threshold of conversation—and directly next to your talking partner. 

2. Step Outside

If you are trying to catch up with someone, step outside and go for a stroll to chat. If it’s too cold, ask if they wouldn’t mind moving to a quieter room away from the hubbub, so you can focus on what they’re saying.

3. Share Individually

For smaller dinner parties with close family and friends, go around the table and have each person talk about highlights from the year. This is a great way for everybody to share—and it will be easier for you to hear when only one person speaks at a time. 

4. Enhance Your Hearing Aids

Make sure your hearing aids are working and charged before you go to a party. You can enhance your technology with an assistive listening device. With these, your conversation partner speaks into a microphone that is connected to a headset or earbuds you can wear.  

5. Be Honest

If you have trouble hearing, don’t just nod along. You can still signal you’ve missed something without interrupting the flow of conversation by cupping your hand to your ear. You can also give gentle reminders to others to speak up, talk more slowly, or face you directly when talking.

For expert guidance regarding hearing loss in Stow, OH, turn to Anthony Durig Audiology. From audiology testing to fittings for hearing aids, these professionals are proud of the state-of-the-art solutions they provide. After an initial assessment, their skilled audiologists will create a custom-made plan tailored to your needs, desires, and lifestyle. For an appointment, call (330) 688-4115. You can also visit their Facebook page for more information about their business.