One of the best things about the holiday season is that, for many, it is a time of reconnection. Whether we’re attending a family gathering at a relative’s or dining out with friends at a restaurant, there’s nothing quite like those festive catchup conversations amidst the music, the laughter, the toasts, the unwrapping—the joyful noises, right?
But for people with hearing loss—particularly untreated hearing loss—feelings of isolation often override all things merry and bright: The harder it is to hear, the tougher it is to communicate or stay engaged in conversations, so it’s easy to see why people with hearing difficulties may feel as though they are spending the holidays on the sidelines.
Of course, there are many reasons why those we care about may not have treated their hearing loss yet—from not realizing the extent of the loss to stigma that associates hearing aids with being “old” or “less capable” (but that is thankfully disappearing as fast as hearing aid technology is evolving).
And they’re not alone: According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, people wait an average of 10 years before getting their hearing loss treated.
The downfall to this is that with every year that goes by, they may be increasing their risk of depression, cognitive decline, and falls.
On the other side of the coin: You may know someone who is treating their hearing loss but still in the early days of adapting to new hearing aids. With their brain on a learning curve as it retrains itself to hear again, they may not feel like they are hearing as “well” as they will soon.
Wherever your loved one is on their hearing journey, the most important thing you can do is continue to support them. It goes without saying that everyone deserves the opportunity to be included, to participate, and to enjoy this special season.
5 ways to support loved ones with hearing loss at holiday events
Try these tips to help your loved one with hearing difficulties feel included at seasonal gatherings:
1. Reduce background noise as best as you can
Turning down competing holiday carols or TV can help make it easier for your loved one to hear/focus on voices and participate in conversations.
2. Adjust lighting accordingly
If you are hosting the gathering (or feel comfortable asking of the host), bright lighting is better: Dimming the room too much can make it difficult for a person with hearing loss to read lips and facial cues which help them understand what is being said to them. Similarly, speaking to your loved one face-to-face and no more than a few feet away can also contribute to the solution.
3. Speak clearly—and at a normal speed and volume
Sure, it may seem logical to speak extra slowly to a person with hearing loss, however, doing so can actually make language sound less natural/identifiable and lip-reading more difficult. It’s more helpful to speak clearly and naturally, allowing them a few extra pauses for processing.
Speaking at a normal volume is also important: Shouting, which feels like an automatic response, can actually alter sound and make comprehension more difficult for someone with hearing loss. (And let’s be real—would you like someone yelling in your face when you’re trying to have fun?)
Moreover, patiently rephrasing words rather than repeating them is another strategy to consider, as different words can sometimes be easier to understand for someone who is hard of hearing.
4. Encourage turn-taking in conversations
It’s tricky enough with normal hearing to follow a conversation when many people are speaking at once, right? So, imagine what it’s like for someone with hearing difficulties. If you can, try to configure the conversation so that only one person is talking at a time. (This can also assist in ensuring your loved one has a chance to contribute to the dialogue.)
5. Be strategic with seating
Sometimes everyone just needs a “wing-person”—someone who can be there for us during a situation where we know we might need an extra hand: This is where seating a loved one with hearing loss next to someone who will help keep them involved or part of the conversation can be highly beneficial for everyone.
Don’t forget to suggest a hearing evaluation (if appropriate)
If the person you care about does not realize or are not convinced they have hearing loss, there is one more thing you can do to help: You can gently encourage them (one-on-one) to take a free online hearing test.
Or better yet, recommend they see a licensed hearing care professional for a more thorough test and ear examination. You can also assure them that hearing tests are painless, straightforward, and typically free. Following the evaluation, the provider can counsel your friend or family member through the best solution for their hearing needs.
In the meantime—cheers to you for your kindness and support of your loved one this holiday season. Wherever they are on their hearing journey, you can be the difference.
From the Starkey family to yours, happy holidays!