Most people look forward to Christmas for family gatherings, big feasts around the table, carol services, and catching up with loved ones, but if you are suffering from hearing loss, it can be hard to enjoy any of these moments.
However, you shouldn’t let poor hearing stand in your way of having a fun and enjoyable Christmas with friends and relatives. Here are some tips on how you can navigate the festive period if you are hard of hearing.
If you are worried your hearing isn’t what it used to be, there’s nothing more clarifying than attending the first Christmas event of the season and realising you can’t understand most of the conversations going on around you.
That is why you should book a hearing test as soon as you suspect there is a problem with your hearing, as professionals can find out what the cause of the issue might be.
It could be something as simple as a blockage of ear wax, in which case this can be removed and the problem resolved before Christmas arrives.
If your hearing loss is more permanent, consider getting invisible hearing aids, particularly if you are conscious about anyone seeing the device.
You might feel a little awkward wearing your hearing aid at first, but with more than four in ten people over the age of 50 having hearing loss, the chances are you’ll be in good company at your next festive function.
Hearing aids can work wonders at helping you to hear things you would have otherwise have missed by filtering out the background noise and amplifying sounds you struggle to hear.
Wearing them will enable you to partake in dinner table conversations more confidently and be able to talk to loved ones about their Christmas celebrations without making them repeat what they have said.
If you are going to a dinner party, spending Christmas day with friends or relatives, or are meeting pals for a festive celebration, it is a good idea to inform them about your hearing difficulties.
This way they can make adjustments to help with your hearing loss, such as improve the lighting so it is easier to lip read what people are saying and follow the conversation better.
You could also ask for music to be turned down so you aren’t distracted by background noises, and to sit next to a wall as this helps block out unnecessary sounds.
Don’t be afraid to look for quiet spots if you want a proper chat, and ask people to look at you when talking and try not to speak over each other so it is easier for you to follow what is being said.
As much as 91 per cent of people said they would feel upset if they knew a relative was missing out on conversations over the festive period because they were conscious of their hearing loss. Therefore, most people would much rather adjust their behaviour to make their family members feel more included.
