June 14, 2022

Let Your Hearing Aids Do the Work During the Holidays

Festive gatherings and parties are a time to relax, catch up with family and friends and have fun. Your hearing loss shouldn’t interrupt a moment of holiday magic, which is why it’s important to get your hearing aids ready for the sounds of the season.

Preparing Hearing Aids for Festivities

Even if your hearing devices are functioning well, it’s not a bad idea to visit your audiologist for a checkup and adjustment. They can make the necessary changes to your devices, so they’re prepped to filter holiday background noise. It’s also a good time to get your hearing aids cleaned.Ask your audiologist about handheld or tabletop mics and other assistive listening devices (ALD) that will give your hearing aids an added boost. Those devices send enhanced audio directly to your hearing aids, which is helpful during conversations around the dinner table.Start wearing your hearing aids regularly before the holidays if you’re new to your devices or don’t wear them as often as you should. You’ll give your brain the chance to get accustomed to processing sounds again and build mental muscle memory. That way, you’ll be ready to take on noisy outings and gatherings.If you wear rechargeable hearing aids, charge them the night before your event so you won’t have to worry about a disruption in function.

Maximizing Live Experiences with Clear Audio

The holidays are often accompanied by concerts, plays, ballets and other performances. Your hearing aids may have special technology or programs that help you enjoy those festive events.Ask your audiologist if your devices have telecoils. They allow you to connect to hearing loops in public places. Contact the performance venue to determine if hearing loops are used in the building. If they’re not, there may be other ALDs available for your use.Consider reserving seats closer to the stage if there isn’t any assistive technology. Bring extra hearing aid batteries to ensure you always have a power source for your devices.

Attending Parties and Events

Taking control of your surroundings gives you the best chance of enjoying your holiday celebrations.Here are some communication best practices to remember:

  • Choose your listening space wisely. Find a room with carpeting, rugs, drapes and furniture that absorb background noise.
  • Move to a room with good lighting so you can read lips and facial expressions.
  • Opt for one-on-one conversations when catching up with loved ones.
  • Advocate for your needs and ask others to get your attention before speaking with you.
  • Face the person you’re speaking with and ask them to do the same.
  • Ask others to speak slowly and clearly, but avoid shouting, which further distorts speech.

If you’re looking for an audiologist in Charlotte, North Carolina, call 704-412-7975 or contact Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte online to schedule your appointment and get your hearing ready for the holidays.

Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Melissa Karp, Au.D.
Audiologist
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Melissa Karp is a board-certified audiologist with special expertise in tinnitus treatment, auditory processing disorder (APD) evaluation, hearing aid fitting and aural rehabilitation.