Whether you’re prepping for a family reunion or a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Clancy’s Irish Pub, parties and social gatherings are a common occurrence throughout the year. If you have hearing loss, it can make attending social events harder. The good news is that hearing aids can help!
Hearing Loss Makes It Harder To Socialize
Hearing loss makes it harder to process sound and follow conversations. It can become especially difficult in louder environments with lots of background noise and multiple people talking at once. This makes parties and other large events much more difficult and overwhelming.
Hearing aids can help make it easier to focus on what others are saying by amplifying their voices while suppressing background noise. If you haven’t sought treatment for your hearing loss yet, doing so will make socializing much easier. This is part of the reason why over 7% of adults aged 45 or older use hearing aids!
Tips For Enjoying a Party While Wearing Hearing Aids
- Get some rest before the party. Since socializing can take extra energy (even with hearing aids), make sure you get some quality rest a few days before so that you’re feeling refreshed when at the event.
- Power up your hearing aids. Make sure you have a fresh battery in your hearing aids or that they are fully charged if you use a rechargeable device. It’s not a bad idea to bring some extra batteries to have on hand as well, just in case.
- Aim for less background noise. Once you arrive, assess your situation and find the quietest spot. Typically, that will be in the corner and away from loud areas like the stereo, live band or a busy kitchen. It can also be helpful to be in rooms with carpets or drapes that can help absorb background sound and make it less loud.
- Find the light. The more well-lit, the better when it comes to your party surroundings! The light makes it easier for you to see people’s faces and read their lips, which can make it easier to communicate.
- Take breaks. Parties can be exhausting, even when you’re having a good time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you have a bit of listening fatigue, don’t be afraid to step outside or into a quieter area for a few minutes and recharge.
- Have fun. Parties are supposed to be fun! With the right hearing aids and knowledge on how to make socializing easier, you should be able to connect with friends and family without having to stress about your hearing loss getting in the way.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Advantage ENT & Audiology today.