Stay Connected This Holiday Season: Communication Tips for You and Your Loved Ones
The holidays bring people together, from family dinners to festive gatherings and lively parties. But when the room fills with laughter, music, and conversation, it can be tough to follow every conversation, especially for those with hearing loss.
The good news? A few simple adjustments can help everyone stay included and enjoy each moment together. Try these helpful tips during your next holiday celebration to make communication easier for all.
Tips to Make Hearing Easier
- Face the person speaking. Seeing someone’s lips and facial expressions can make a big difference. Position yourself in a well-lit area where you can easily see their face.
- Ask for clarification. Don’t hesitate to let someone know if you missed something. It’s perfectly fine to ask them to repeat or rephrase what they said.
- Find a quieter space. Step away from background noise like televisions or loud music when possible. A calm environment makes it easier to focus on conversations.
- Choose your seat wisely. At the dinner table, try to sit where you can see everyone’s faces, ideally against a wall or in the center of the group.
- Use your hearing aids. Be sure your hearing aids are clean, charged, and working properly before the festivities begin. They’re one of your best tools for confident communication.
For Family and Friends
- Speak naturally and clearly. Shouting or exaggerating speech can actually make words harder to understand. Speak at a steady pace and articulate clearly.
- Maintain eye contact. Face the person you’re speaking to and avoid talking from another room or turning away mid-conversation.
- Lower background noise. Simple adjustments, like turning down the music or muting the TV, can help create a more hearing-friendly environment.
- Rephrase when needed. If someone doesn’t understand you the first time, try saying it a different way rather than repeating the same words.
Hear Every Moment
The holidays are about togetherness and that includes being able to hear and share in the laughter, stories, and memories that make the season special.
If it’s been a while since your last hearing test or your hearing aids were serviced, let Southern Maine Hearing help you prepare for a season full of connection and joy.
Schedule your appointment in Falmouth or Yarmouth today!