When you think of the holidays, you might picture cookie decorating, cheesy movies or lighting candles. Sharing those memories with someone you love makes them even more special. If you have a loved one with hearing loss who feels unsure about joining in, there are a few ways you can help them feel comfortable in each event this year.
How To Help Your Loved One
Try the following communication tips to help your loved one stay connected:
- Encourage good conversation etiquette. Holiday gatherings often mean lots of people talking at once, especially when excitement runs high. However, when several voices overlap, it becomes tricky for someone with hearing loss to follow along. You can help by gently reminding others to let one person speak at a time.
- Rephrase instead of repeating. If your loved one doesn’t catch something, resist the urge to say it louder. Often, hearing loss affects specific sound frequencies, so volume alone won’t help. Try rephrasing the sentence or offering a bit of extra context instead.
- Keep eye contact. Visual cues like lip movements and facial expressions are key for people with hearing loss. When speaking, face your loved one directly and make sure there’s good lighting.
- Schedule quiet events. Not every gathering needs to be filled with music and conversation. You can schedule a chill craft night or a trip to the Macon Christmas Light Extravaganza for some brightly lit festive cheer.
- Ask how you can help. Every person’s experience with hearing loss is unique. What works well for one person may not work well for another. The best thing you can do is simply ask what helps. They might appreciate certain seating arrangements, a quieter corner or gentle reminders during conversation. Let them take the lead—they know what makes communication easier.
Reconnect This Holiday Season
The holidays are about connection, and no one should feel left out of that joy. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can make gatherings more inclusive and enjoyable for the people you care about most.
Nearly one in five people in the world has hearing loss. If you’d like to learn more about how the condition impacts the lives of those around you, or you’re interested in taking a hearing test, contact The ENT Center of Central Georgia today to schedule a consultation.
