Health & Fitness
The Holidays are Noisy: Give the Gift of Hearing
The holidays are full of memorable moments that we often take for granted, but when you or a loved one experience hearing difficulties, these moments can easily be missed.
The holidays are full of memorable moments that we often take for granted: children’s holiday pageants, songs from carolers, family dinner conversations and friendly chatter of who got what from Santa.
But when you or a loved one experience hearing difficulties, these moments can easily be missed. Why? The holidays are noisy. Music in the background, clinking dishes around the table and crinkling gift wrap – all can turn fun holiday social gatherings into pure auditory chaos. Audiologist Cameron Cowan of Midwest Hearing Consultants says that recognizing when a friend or family member is having trouble hearing is not always obvious, especially during these types of holiday events.
“Hear” are a few signs to watch for:
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- Repeatedly asking what was just said, or saying “what?” or “huh?” frequently
- Turning the television or radio volume up louder than normal
- Withdrawing from group activities or family gatherings
Tips for sensitively suggesting to a family member or close friend that he or she might be in need of hearing help:
- Let him or her know you miss being able to have conversations with them at family gatherings.
- Express your support by offering to go to appointments.
- Ensure he or she sits at the front of the audience for church services and events.
- Take initiative to learn some communication strategies to help them understand you better, such as simple sign language.
- Face the person when you speak to them so that he or she can see your mouth movements and facial expressions.
Then, when the time is right, discuss investing in a hearing aid with your loved one, and make an appointment about one month before any upcoming holiday events. This will allow enough time to get fitted for a hearing aid and adjust to them before attending any parties or events.