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Hearing Loss and the Holidays

Make an extra effort to include people with hearing loss.

The holidays can be challenging for people with hearing aids. If you have a friend or family member with hearing loss, they can feel especially isolated. The increases in volume and background noise can make it difficult for them to hear you.

Audiologists with Idaho Elks Hearing and Balance Center offer these tips to help your friend or family member with hearing aids to be a part of holiday festivities:

  • Make sure the lighting is good so he or she can see those speaking.
  • Be sure the person with hearing loss is looking at you when you're talking.
  • Say the person's name before talking so he or she can direct attention to you.
  • Get on eye level when talking.
  • Speak clearly and distinctly.
  • Be patient when asked to repeat yourself.
  • Use a slower rate of speech rather than yelling to be heard.
  • Use humor when miscommunications happen.

Remember that with patience and understanding we can help everyone enjoy friends and family at this time of year.

Learn more about hearing loss