- Turn down the music. Music can become overpowering, especially when it’s combined with the voices of multiple people. While the cocktail party effect allows some people to drown out the noise, you might not be able to.
- Ask if a circular seating arrangement is available. Circular tables create a better listening environment than long rows of seating. It’s also more inclusive and friendly for everyone involved!
- Find a Dinner Buddy. Try to sit next to someone who will be willing to keep you in on the conversation if you miss anything that has been said.
- Take a break. Trying to hear in a lively atmosphere can take a physical toll. Even those without hearing loss find it difficult in noisy environments. Take a break every now and then and give yourself a rest.
- Make sure you have enough fresh batteries. Change your battery before you leave for a big event or party so that you don’t have to worry about your hearing aid dying at an inopportune time
Are you hosting people with hearing loss?
Music is a great way to boost the ambiance of a party, of course, but for a person living with hearing loss, loud music can make meaningful conversations challenging. So consider the volume of the music you have playing. Even for your guests with normal hearing, loud music can make conversations difficult, so magine if you had a hearing loss? People with hearing loss experience challenges with speech recognition when there is a lot of competing background sounds.
Help make things easier for those with hearing loss, and keep that music at a lower volume. You may want to also consider positioning the speakers away from the party area.
Creating areas designed for smaller group conversations is another great way to accommodate. If you’ve got a family room or living room where the guests mingle, think about arranging areas with a few chairs for smaller groups. With one big circle full of people speaking at once, it can be overwhelming for people with, and without hearing loss to follow conversations.
Have you experienced changes in your hearing? Do you know someone you think may need help with their hearing health?
Salem Audiology Clinic is committed to working with you and your loved ones to offer the best hearing healthcare in order to achieve our goal of helping the hearing impaired with the same kindness we would want our own family to experience.
To fulfill this mission, we are committed to earning the trust and respect of all of our patients, by providing professionalism; giving honest answers, and taking as much time as needed to make sure our patients are have an appropriate and well thought out solution.
Enjoy the sounds and laughter of your kids, grandkids or family members as they interact. This may be the first time you’re experiencing many of these sounds in a very long time. Sit back, relax and enjoy the sounds of the season.
In need of new batteries or for a FREE clean and check? call us at 971.701.6322 or, visit us at Salemaudiologyclinic.com.