Tips To Navigate The Holiday Season With Hearing Loss
The holiday season is often filled with excitement and festivities, but it can also bring added pressures and complex family dynamics. These challenges can sometimes feel even more overwhelming for those with hearing loss. It might feel easier to get through chaotic gatherings by keeping your needs to yourself, but communicating openly can help you fully participate in the celebrations. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this season and make meaningful memories.
It Starts With a Conversation
Having an open conversation about your challenges can help your loved ones understand your needs and know how to support you best. While it might be frustrating to explain, family members may not know exactly what would make things easier for you. For instance, if you’d like the music volume lowered, explaining that a quieter environment helps you engage in conversation will encourage others to be more receptive to your request.
If specific things make it difficult to be fully present, share these with loved ones ahead of time so they can actively support and help advocate for you. For those who are navigating the holidays with hearing loss for the first time, let loved ones know you might need to adjust traditions to be more comfortable this year. Having the initial conversation can put you and your loved ones at ease with the shared goal of making holiday festivities enjoyable for everyone.
Check in With Your Doctor
Take time to assess your hearing and check your equipment’s function before the holiday festivities. Connect with your doctor for an updated hearing evaluation and hearing health appointment. Evaluating your current hearing aids, considering a new pair, or addressing any concerns before the holidays can help you feel equipped to fully engage in the celebrations.
Set Up the Environment for Success
Holiday activities can often become noisy or overstimulating. If you have hearing loss, suggest turning off or lowering background noise, like music or the television. This will help eliminate unnecessary noise, allowing you to focus on conversations. When loved ones gather, overlapping conversations and raised voices can unintentionally make it harder to engage. Gently remind those around you that this can be challenging and suggest they lower their voices or encourage everyone to speak one at a time during larger group settings like dinner. Small adjustments like these can make your holiday more inclusive and help everyone engage with one another more intentionally.
Prioritize Intentional Interactions
Meaningful memories are made through intentional conversations with loved ones. Try making one-on-one conversation a priority this season. When you are face to face, you can eliminate distractions and use additional conversational cues such as facial expressions and lip reading. These conversations can often turn into more meaningful interactions because both individuals are fully present with one another.
Caption Pros Can Help
Advocate for accessibility this holiday season. Whether it’s a virtual family reunion or a holiday party for work, ask for captions. Captions provide solutions for learning and communication for those with hearing loss. We are committed to making communication accessible to everyone. Join us in breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. Visit Caption Pros to learn more about our award-winning captioners and services.
