It’s the most wonderful time of the year…unless you’re experiencing hearing loss in Charleston. Impaired hearing can leave you feeling like Scrooge, but there’s a simple solution that can help put the cheer back in your holidays: hearing aids.
The Effects of Hearing Loss on Holiday Celebrations
The holiday season is synonymous with family gatherings, parties, tasty meals and that one relative who overdoes it on the eggnog. ‘Tis the season to be jolly for many, but those with hearing loss often find it difficult to be merry and bright. Individuals with impaired hearing in Charleston often feel left out of the celebration and may find the hustle and bustle overwhelming. Hearing aids are one surefire way to leave you feeling less like the Grinch when his heart was two sizes too small and more like the Grinch after his heart grew three sizes that day.
Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds that are difficult to hear. Wearing them allows you to enjoy activities that would otherwise be trying, whether that’s a nice dinner out on the town, a holiday showing of “The Nutcracker” or shopping for gifts at the mall.
OK, holiday shopping at the mall is never a pleasant experience. But at least you’ll be able to get it done without too much stress.
Strategies for hearing better in social situations
Whether your social plans this season involve family gatherings, holiday parties or intimate dinners, there are strategies you can use to help ensure you’re comfortable and can hear effectively:
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Choose a quiet spot
Whether visiting family members at home or enjoying a night out on the town, find a quiet spot with less noise and distraction to get the most out of your evening. Make sure your host know is aware of your hearing impairment; they should be able to accommodate you by turning down background music or seating you in a quiet corner away from a busy kitchen or noisy bar area.
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Position yourself strategically
When choosing a spot at the dinner table, position yourself in a way that will enable you to take part in conversations more easily. For instance, if your hearing loss is worse in one ear, find a seat where your better-hearing ear faces the action. Try to sit at the center of the table so you can maintain eye contact and rely on visual cues such as lipreading, both of which will aid in your comprehension. Good lighting is important, so opt for brightly-lit areas over candlelit spots if possible, no matter how cozy or romantic.
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Buddy up
Mingling at parties is a great way to be social, but if you have hearing loss it opens up the possibility of awkwardness. Find a friend or relative who knows about your hearing impairment and stick close to that person throughout the evening; this will ensure you feel more included and have somebody who can repeat things back to you that you might otherwise miss.
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Go easy on the alcohol
A cocktail or a glass of wine can help you relax in social situations, and eggnog is synonymous with the holiday season, but too much alcohol can interfere with your ability to comprehend what others are saying. Keep your drinking to a minimum, alternate alcoholic beverages with water and never drink on an empty stomach.
For more tips on enjoying the holiday season despite your hearing loss, contact an audiologist in Charleston.
Learn about Hearing Loss:
Our Central Charleston Area Audiologists Office Locations
Mount Pleasant
180 Wingo Way, Suite 103
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 766-7103
West Ashley
2295 Henry Tecklenburg Dr
Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 766-7103