"Small changes in the set-up of a space can make it much easier for people with hearing loss to stay engaged. When hosting, these tips are easier to implement. When visiting friends or family, reach out with these suggestions several weeks ahead of time so they can plan accordingly. When we assert our communication needs, we stand a much better chance of enjoying the event."
"Background noise makes it hard to follow conversation for people with hearing loss. At your house, avoid playing music, and when dining elsewhere, don't be shy about asking for the music to be lowered for dinnertime. Adequate light is needed for speechreading. Sitting in the center puts you physically close to as many people as possible. Place those who are hardest to hear directly across from you to aid with lip-reading. Sitting with your back against a wall helps eliminate background noise from behind."
Holiday gatherings can cause anxiety for people with hearing loss due to difficulty following conversations, feeling less relevant, and listening fatigue. Setting a hearing-loss-friendly dinner table helps keep people with hearing loss involved and reduces strain. Small changes include reducing background noise, increasing lighting for speechreading, sitting centrally and placing harder-to-hear individuals across for lip-reading, and sitting with a back against a wall to reduce noise from behind. Use of hearing technologies and reaching out to hosts several weeks before visiting allows planning. Asserting communication needs increases the chance of enjoying holiday events.
Read at Psychology Today
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