6 tips for enjoying family gatherings when you have trouble hearing

There is a lot to love about the holidays. There are gifts and cookies. There are games and good cheer. And, of course, the holiday gatherings featuring food, whether it’s a sit-down family meal or potluck dinner.

But people with hearing loss may have a tough time at social events. “Hearing while in a noisy environment can be tricky,” says Brianne Salzmann, Au.D. She’s a clinical audiologist at Providence Swedish Otolaryngology in Seattle.

For one thing, there may be multiple conversations going on at once. There may be music playing. The room may have high ceilings and bare walls, which cause sound to bounce off the surfaces and add to the background noise.^1,2

All that can be exhausting and overwhelming if you have hearing loss, even if you wear hearing aids. In fact, some people who have trouble hearing might choose to skip social events altogether. Or sit in a corner and not really take part in the festivities. Their world shrinks, and they may become lonelier and more isolated.¹ 

It doesn’t have to be like that though. Read on for tips that can make friends-and-family gatherings more fun again.

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1. Give a heads-up to the host

If you’re not hosting the gathering, ask the person who is for help. They can control the environment so you’re able to hear more clearly. Here are some ways a host can help you out:^1,3

• Keep the room well-lit. This helps you pick up visual cues, or even read lips, more easily.
• Turn off the music at dinner so there’s less background noise.
• Place tall candlesticks, flower arrangements and other decorations on a side table. That way you have a clearer view of other people.

2. Pick a good spot at the table

The best type of seating for people who are hard of hearing? Round tables. That way, you can face everybody at the table — and keep background noise behind you.²

If that’s not possible, sit toward the middle of the table. That will maximize the number of family members around and in front of you.⁴

3. Seek out quieter rooms

Hang out with smaller groups whenever possible, advises Salzmann. That will keep background noise to a minimum and help you hear conversations better, especially if they are one-on-one (or two-on-one). Bonus if the room is also carpeted and has cushioned seating. Both can absorb sound and keep noise from becoming too loud.^1,2

If the gathering is only in one room, move to a quieter part of it, says Salzmann.

4. Speak up for yourself

“Self-advocate,” advises Salzmann. It’s better to make everyone aware of your hearing loss so family members can work together to make things easier.

Then be specific. You can say things like:

• “Please get my attention before you talk to me.”
• “It helps if you look at me when you speak. Then I can see your mouth.”

It’s also perfectly fine to ask someone to speak more slowly and clearly. “Adding pauses between sentences gives a listener with hearing loss time to ‘fill-in’ any information they might have missed,” adds Salzmann. 

5. Take advantage of technology

Hearing aids may help you hear better in all sorts of settings. But there are ways to help your hearing aids work even better.¹ A good place to start? Ask your hearing care professional about the newest technology.

• Try a remote microphone. This device uses Bluetooth to stream conversations directly into your hearing aid. Whoever is speaking can clip the mic to their clothing so you can hear them better. And then pass it to the next person. There are also table mics that pick up the loudest voices and stream them into your hearing aids.
   
• Take advantage of Bluetooth. Many hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing sounds to stream directly into your devices from your smartphone (or TV). Many hearing aids also come with an app that can turn your phone into a remote microphone. Once you pair the phone with your hearing aids, you can place the phone on the table to pick up and amplify conversations.
   
• Tweak app settings. With these apps, you can also program and adjust the settings to suit the environment for easier listening.

6. Practice self-care

Focusing on and listening to people, especially in noisier situations, can tire you out. So, come to the event well-rested. And take some time-outs during the gathering. Maybe you can escape to a quieter room or go outside for a few minutes. This will give your ears a break.^3,4

If you can’t hear well or it’s been a few years since you got your hearing aids checked, see a hearing care professional. They can give you a comprehensive hearing exam and consultation. Or advise you on a newer pair of hearing aids. 

Whatever you do, don’t give up your social life. Being with family and friends may help you feel more connected. And that will help you enjoy the holidays — and any season — the way you deserve.

Ready to request a hearing exam and consultation? UnitedHealthcare Hearing has a national network of hearing care professionals. Find a provider.

Sources

1. How to navigate hearing loss in social settings Cleveland Clinic. August 23, 2023.
2. Managing hearing loss in social settings: tips for seniors with hearing aids National Council on Aging. November 2, 2023.
3. Hearing loss communication tips for the holidays Hearing Loss Association of America. Accessed September 18, 2024.
4. Your hearing loss holiday survival guide Hearing Loss Association of America. December 6, 2023.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

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