From family dinners to office parties, the coming months bring ample opportunities to connect with loved ones. For both seasoned hearing aid users and newcomers, navigating holiday events with hearing devices can feel daunting. Yet, with the right strategies and a bit of preparation, hearing aid users can confidently enjoy all their favourite holiday activities.
Kim Galick, Registered Hearing Instrument Specialist and owner of Ears Hearing Clinic in Langley, shares her expert tips for staying connected and enjoying the holidays.
- Optimize your hearing aids for different environments: The holidays are filled with bustling activities, and today's hearing aids come with features designed to make these environments more manageable. “Most hearing aids have automatic settings that adjust to the noise level around you,” Galick says. “But for specific environments, like crowded dinner tables or lively parties, you may need to manually adjust the settings for better clarity.” Don’t hesitate to make these adjustments to focus on the voices around you while minimizing background noise.
- Pick your seat with care: In loud settings, where conversation can easily be overpowered by background noise, seat selection is key. “Whenever possible, try to sit closer to the person you’re speaking with and avoid areas with heavy background noise,” Galick advises. “By positioning yourself near the centre of the conversation, you’ll hear more clearly and engage more easily.”
- Use assistive listening devices: For those with Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids, assistive listening devices can further enhance your hearing experience. “Consider using a remote microphone or other Bluetooth device during group conversations or when someone is speaking from a distance,” Galick suggests. “These devices connect to your hearing aids, amplifying the voice of the person you’re listening to and making it easier to hear in noisy environments.”
- Be open with friends and family: Good communication involves letting your friends and family know how they can help. Galick recommends, “Let your loved ones know if you’re struggling to hear certain words or if there’s too much background noise. Ask them to face you when speaking, avoid talking too quickly, and speak a little louder if necessary. Small adjustments like these make a huge difference in staying engaged.”
- Take breaks when needed: Holiday gatherings can be overwhelming, especially if you’re wearing hearing aids for extended periods. Galick suggests, “If you feel tired or overwhelmed, take a quick break in a quieter space to recharge. This gives your ears a rest and helps you stay focused when you return to the conversation.”
- Look after your hearing aids and they'll look after you: Before diving into the holiday season, ensure your hearing aids are in top condition. “Do a quick check before attending events,” Galick advises. “Make sure they’re clean, batteries are charged, and everything is working as it should. This ensures you’ll get the best performance throughout the festivities.”
“Remember, the goal is to enjoy the season and connect with those around you,” Galick says. “With the right strategies, hearing aids can be a powerful tool, keeping you engaged in every conversation and helping you make the most of the holidays.”
For a free hearing consultation, call Kim Galick at Ears Hearing Clinic, 604-427-2828 or reach out by email at info@earslangley.com. Find Ears Hearing at Unit C 20568 56 Ave. in Langley, online at earslangley.com and follow them on Facebook.
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