8 Ways to Enjoy the Holidays with Hearing Aids

The holidays are a season of joy, family, and connection. For individuals with hearing aids, the festive atmosphere can also bring challenges like noisy gatherings, overlapping conversations, and background music. With thoughtful preparation and strategies, you can fully participate and enjoy every moment of the holiday cheer.

Here are eight comprehensive tips to help you thrive during the holidays with hearing aids.

1. Ensure Your Hearing Aids Are Ready

Start the season with a professional hearing aid check-up. A hearing care provider can ensure your devices are functioning properly and tailored to your needs.

• Replace or Recharge Batteries: Fresh batteries or fully charged devices prevent interruptions during conversations or events. Always carry spares if you use traditional batteries.
• Clean Your Devices: Remove wax or debris from your hearing aids to optimize sound clarity. Clean or replace wax guards and earmolds if necessary.

• Test Settings in Advance: Many hearing aids offer settings for different environments. Test them in noisy spaces, like restaurants, to find the most effective program.

These proactive steps ensure your hearing aids work seamlessly throughout the busy holiday season.

If you’re looking for gift ideas, check out our gift guide for those with hearing loss. 

2. Optimize Seating Arrangements

Strategic seating can transform your ability to hear and connect during gatherings.

• Choose a Central Spot: Sitting in the middle of the table gives you access to conversations from all directions.
• Prioritize Visibility: Position yourself where you can clearly see faces, as lip-reading can enhance understanding. Ensure lighting is bright and even to avoid shadows.
• Avoid Noise Sources: Steer clear of seats near loudspeakers, kitchens, or high-traffic areas. These locations amplify background noise, making it harder to focus.
• Switch Seats: If possible, suggest rotating seats during meals so you can interact with more people in quieter positions.

By thinking ahead about where to sit, you set yourself up for a more inclusive and engaging holiday experience.

3. Communicate Your Needs

Clear communication with family and friends helps everyone enjoy the festivities together.

• Share Your Hearing Preferences: Let your loved ones know you might need them to speak clearly and face you. A simple heads-up ensures they’re mindful of your needs.
• Request Rephrasing: If you miss something, ask others to rephrase instead of repeating. Repeating often highlights the same difficult sounds, while rephrasing provides fresh context.
• Use Visual Signals: Non-verbal cues, like cupping your ear, can remind speakers to raise their volume or slow down without interrupting the flow of conversation.

Educating others about your needs fosters understanding and makes everyone feel more connected.

4. Manage Background Noise

Holidays are noisy by nature, but small adjustments can help create a more hearing-friendly environment.

• Lower the Music Volume: Holiday music adds ambiance but can compete with conversation. Ask the host to keep it at a low level.
• Control Noise Sources: If you’re hosting, complete noisy kitchen tasks before guests arrive and opt for quieter appliances.
• Create Quiet Spaces: Set up a room or area where guests can have quieter conversations away from the main event.
• Soft Furnishings Help: Rugs, curtains, and cushions can absorb sound and reduce echoes, making speech clearer.

Reducing unnecessary noise allows you to focus on meaningful interactions without added strain.

5. Use Assistive Technology

Modern technology can enhance your hearing experience during the holidays.

• Explore Smartphone Apps: Many apps offer real-time transcription, turning spoken words into text on your phone. Some apps even act as remote microphones, amplifying specific sounds.
• Consider FM Systems: Personal FM systems can amplify the voice of someone speaking directly to you, filtering out background noise.
• Use Hearing Aid Features: Many devices include noise-filtering or directional microphones. Learn how to adjust these settings to match the environment. Some newer hearing aids, like the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio, automatically suppress background noise and focus on speech. 

By incorporating assistive tools, you can navigate challenging listening situations with greater ease.

6. Take Short Breaks

Socializing in noisy environments can quickly lead to listening fatigue. Build breaks into your holiday routine to stay refreshed.

• Step Outside: Take a moment to enjoy the fresh air and quiet. This simple reset can improve focus and reduce stress.
• Find a Quiet Spot Indoors: Identify a quieter room or corner where you can recharge away from the crowd.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing or mindfulness can help you regain energy and reduce frustration.

Regular breaks allow you to return to the festivities feeling recharged and ready to engage.

7. Adjust Your Expectations

You don’t need to catch every word to enjoy the holidays.

• Focus on Key Connections: Prioritize meaningful conversations with those closest to you. Engage fully with smaller groups or one-on-one interactions.
• Accept Imperfections: It’s natural to miss parts of some conversations. Give yourself grace and enjoy the moments you do hear.
• Celebrate the Atmosphere: Take in the sights, smells, and feelings of the season. These elements contribute to the holiday spirit beyond spoken words.

By shifting your perspective, you can embrace the joy of the season without unnecessary stress.

8. Plan Ahead with Your Host

A little preparation with your host can make gatherings more inclusive.

• Suggest Seating Arrangements: Round tables or semi-circular seating make group conversations easier for everyone.
• Discuss Background Noise: Share how quieter music or soft decor can improve the experience for guests with hearing aids.
• Create Inclusive Spaces: Encourage the host to designate well-lit, quieter areas for conversations.
• Ask About Accommodations: Let your host know if you’re bringing assistive devices, and inquire about any additional accommodations they can offer.

Collaborating with your host ensures a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, including those with hearing challenges.

Celebrate the Holidays with Hearing Aids Confidently

The holidays are about connection, love, and shared experiences. You can enjoy the festivities without feeling left out with thoughtful preparation and these tips. Your hearing aids are powerful tools to help you stay present and fully engaged.

If your hearing aids need adjustments or you’d like to explore new technology, contact Stanford Hearing today. Let us help you make this holiday season unforgettable with clear conversations and joyful moments.