First of all, wear your hearing aid! Between the hustle and bustle and (occasional, I’m sure) glass of sherry, it can be difficult enough to hear, even with the aid. Make sure your hearing aid is installed and functioning properly so you can get the most out of it.

Choose your environments well: If you have difficulty hearing, you should consider choosing a quiet venue. Hearing aids work best when they don’t have to compete with the loud bangs and squawks that can be only-too-common at certain places. Cut down on your personal hearing frustration by giving your aid a chance to work.

Don’t be afraid to speak up! This doesn’t just mean talking louder; you shouldn’t feel any shame about asking your host to lower the music slightly, or the person you’re talking to to move to a quieter corner. What’s the point in going to a party if you can’t hear a thing anyone is saying?

Try talking to one person at a time. By focusing on the nonverbal cues of the person to whom you’re talking, you can get a lot of context you might otherwise have missed. If you’re at the dinner table, try asking your relatives or friends to address you one at a time rather than randomly shrieking at you. Note: this is worthwhile advice even if you don’t have hearing loss.

‘Tis the season…: Hearing aids can be expensive, especially the more advanced models. If your family or friends have a tradition of gift-giving, it might be a good time to receive or give a custom hearing aid.

The holidays should be a fun, if busy time. Don’t let hearing loss impede on that good cheer!

If you need a hearing aid in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Happy holidays from Dunshaw Hearing Centers.