Thanksgiving dinner can be a noisy affair. Between overlapping conversations, clattering dishes and a television playing in the background, keeping up with family discussions can be difficult when you have hearing loss. A few simple adjustments can make conversations easier to follow and help you stay involved throughout the celebration.
Choose Your Seat With Hearing in Mind
Where you sit can make a noticeable difference. If possible, choose a spot near the middle of the table where you can see most of the people speaking. Good lighting also helps because facial expressions and lip movements can provide additional clues when you’re listening.
Try to avoid sitting near the kitchen, television or other sources of background noise. If the room gets particularly loud, consider stepping into a quieter space for a one-on-one conversation.
Let Your Family Know What Helps
Your family may not realize how difficult it can be to follow several conversations at once. A quick conversation before everyone sits down can help set expectations.
You might ask your relatives to:
- Get your attention before speaking, especially from across the table
- Face you while talking rather than speaking with their backs turned
- Speak clearly at a natural pace without shouting
- Avoid talking over one another when possible
- Rephrase something if you don’t understand it the first time
Make Small Adjustments During Dinner
Don’t feel pressured to pretend you heard something. Politely ask the person to repeat themselves or explain what they said using different words. You can also mention which part you missed so they know where to pick up.
Where Hearing Aids
An estimated 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. Before Thanksgiving, clean and charge your hearing aids so they’re ready to help you through every conversation of the day.
Give Yourself Time To Recharge
Listening closely for several hours can be tiring, particularly in a busy room. Take a short break when you need one. Step away from the table, enjoy a quieter conversation or simply give your ears a rest.
Enjoy the Holiday Without the Added Listening Stress
If hearing loss has made family gatherings more challenging, it may be worth exploring your treatment options. At Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy, we can help you understand your hearing needs and discuss approaches that may make everyday conversations easier. With the right support and a few thoughtful adjustments, you can enjoy Thanksgiving without the added communication stress.
Sources
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021, March 25). Quick statistics about hearing. National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders. Nidcd. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing