Before you know it, 2019 will only be a memory. If you have hearing difficulty or wear hearing aids, holidays can be a stressful time if you’re not prepared. And if you have any hopes of avoiding that last minute rush again this year, now is the time to take action. So, while you’re figuring out what to serve for Thanksgiving and where you’re going to fit an extra inflatable mattress, when your niece decides she wants to crash at your (already full) house, don’t forget to think about your hearing health, too. Advanced preparation now, can lead to more serenity when you need it the most.
Making a communication plan for those chaotic holiday gatherings, may provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone. Try implementing these hearing-friendly ideas:
• Create different listening environments. The kids play together in one room, while adults listen to the ball game in another. When it’s time to gather at the table, turn off the music and the television, so you can focus on the conversation.
• Assign seats. You will enjoy the conversation at the table much more if you’re seated where you can see everyone’s face. If you have a “better ear,” it may dictate where the best seat is at the table.
• Don’t dim the lights. We all rely on good lighting to read lips and take advantage of visual cues during group conversations— whether or not you wear hearing devices.
• Delay clean up. Clinking, clanging dishes make it difficult to hear and enjoy the conversation. Try waiting until everyone has left to clean the dishes.
• Advocate for yourself. If you have difficulty understanding and are attending a family gathering, don’t be afraid to politely speak up if the television’s volume is interfering with your ability to participate in dinnertime conversation or if you need closed captioning turned on during the big game. If you’re comfortable, share your concerns privately with your host or hostess before the event begins. It never hurts to have others advocating for you, too.
With the holiday season right around the corner, we have some holiday gift ideas you may not have considered. For years, my husband’s grandfather received a carton of hearing aid batteries. It was the best gift ever…the gift of better hearing!
We also stock several different types of hearing protection (ear muffs, ear plugs, custom plugs)…we need to protect our precious hearing ability. With an ear impression we can make custom hearing protection, swim molds, and in-ear monitors. We also stock TV listening systems as well as several other streaming devices. If you have an ear need, we will find you a solution.
Before the holiday season gets under way, if you need to schedule an appointment to review various options to improve your hearing ability, give Beth or Jamie a call at (704) 212-2376. Jane and I can have you hearing better before Thanksgiving!
Remember to visit our website at www.hearingsolutionsofnc.com and like us on Facebook. Jane, Beth, Jamie and I wish you a very happy holiday and we look forward to seeing you soon.