With the holidays almost here, carols are playing and people will gather to celebrate their bonds with each other. Now might be a good time to look at how hearing loss can subtly affect those situations. It is important to understand that hearing loss happens gradually. So, until a person is willing and able to get professional help, there are still ways to make communicating work for everyone, whether it be at a restaurant or the long-awaited time with our families.
WAYS TO ADAPT
For those with reduced hearing ability, gathering with colleagues or company friends for a holiday luncheon pose particular issues. “Eateries have become noisier,” says Karen Block, audiologist at Advanced Hearing Aid Solutions. “They are built with high ceilings, large windows, and tile or concrete floors. Sound waves bounce off these hard surfaces and raise ‘noise’ levels.”
Beforehand, check online reviews, which might mention noise levels. Karen also suggests asking the hostess to seat your group in a quiet corner. Asking the manager to lower the volume of the overhead music isn’t asking for too much. Others may appreciate that you spoke up. After your event, review the restaurant to comment on that, as there are likely others who want a quiet place to eat also.
Whether you’re in a restaurant or sitting with family, sit across from the person talking so you can see them and understand them better. It is no secret that we all read lips, and observe hand gestures and body language. But when we aren’t able hear as well as we used to, we depend on them even more.
WAYS TO HELP
It can be frustrating to repeatedly hear, ‘pardon me?’ ‘what did you say?’ When people can’t participate in conversation, they may feel left out and become moody. An empathetic relative can recognize these signs as inaudible speech or, conversely, that the room is too noisy. Take note if a person isolates him or herself, wants to leave, or asks to be alone.
As well, watching children play with new gifts from Santa is fun but not a good time to chat. Christmas music lends to that special feeling, but even if it’s low, it can still be distracting. Also, several conversations, going at once, can be confusing. Include the hearing-challenged person by adjusting the environment and suggesting a seat in the middle of the group.
Karen suggests a good strategy is to take the conversation outside and watch the grandkids play with their new puppy or drone in the open environment. This is a better situation to understand one another and watch new memories in the making.
WAYS TO GET ALONG
For those who are no longer confident of their own hearing, it can be tempting to simply nod in understanding rather than asking people to repeat their words. Karen says, “You may feel like you’re imposing to ask again, but people may be able to sense when you’re pretending. Plus,” she smiles, “it’s a good thing to know exactly what you’re nodding in agreement to.”
One final thought, concerning the post-2020 new normal. Masking may be necessary in some homes or gathering places for some time to come, particularly at the holidays. This poses a unique problem, even for those who hear normally.
Fabric and paper masks muffle and distort spoken words and they remove the opportunity to read lips entirely. Karen says, “Hopefully we won’t always have to cover our mouths, but until then, a kind ‘Would you mind repeating that?’ isn’t asking too much. Chances are, people will understand and have had to do the same.”
So as we look forward to holiday social schedules, here’s to hearing the love coming from loved ones near and far, and the beloved Christmas carols, reminding us of our blessings. Listen up! Hear the bells of Christmas say, ‘Peace on Earth, goodwill to men.’