The holidays are just around the corner—a time for families and friends to come together to create special memories and relax after a long year. However, for people with hearing loss, the holidays in themselves can be quite hard to manage, much less the “chaos” that they can bring.
If you are struggling with a hearing problem, these tips from our hearing loss specialists here at Georgetown ENT can help you have an enjoyable holiday experience with the people who matter to you.
Tip #1 Employ some communication strategies.
If you’re going to attend an event where the noise level might be high, you can make the night as less taxing as possible by:
- Finding areas with good lighting, so you can lip-read and see their facial expressions easily;
- Picking the quietest room and having your family or friends join you, if the party is held in a place that has multiple rooms.
If you’re being invited to a seated dinner or dinner party, here are some ways you can go about the evening:
- Move closer to the person you like to talk to.
- If this is not possible, tell the person you’re going to continue the conversation with them when you get a chance to sit closer to them.
- Sit close to the people you talk to the most.
Tip #2 Plan ahead.
If you still haven’t sought proper intervention for your hearing problem, it’s time that you do now—before the holiday hustle and bustle begins. You can’t expect to be able to get an appointment the day before Christmas or New Year’s. Also, keep in mind that ordering and fitting of hearing aids or other devices may time some time and can extend beyond your initial appointment.
Tip #3 Be brave enough to be honest about your condition.
While it may be tempting to just pretend that you can hear properly by nodding or laughing along with what your relatives or friends are saying, this can be quite risky especially if someone winds up asking you a question.
Being brave enough to let the other person you are talking to know that you have a hearing problem can make it altogether easier for you. At least, you can give them some visual clues, such as cupping your ear with your hand, to put across that you aren’t hearing them well and that they need to speak louder.
Tip # 4 Have a break.
Your mind—not only your ears—will need some rest you after you engage in a lot of conversation during parties, so don’t hesitate to give yourself some time. Head to a quiet spot or the restroom. Doing so can help you regain the energy you need for another round of socializing and enjoy every moment of these occasions.
Hearing Loss Specialist in Georgetown, Texas
At Georgetown ENT, our board-certified ENT doctor Dr. Scott Franklin works in tandem with our audiologist Abeda Mueed to provide comprehensive hearing tests and guide our patients toward the most suitable solution for them—helping them live well with or even conquer hearing loss.
To learn more about our services or to book a consultation with one of our hearing loss specialists, call our office today at (512) 869-0604 or request an appointment right here on our website.
