Tips for Attending Holiday Parties with Hearing Loss

Are you ready for the holiday season? Refer to our list of Dos and Don'ts to help manage the crowds as all the parties are scheduled.

Dos:

Check any saved captions on your CaptionCall to make sure you didn't miss any important party details. Rereading transcripts allows you to verify party dates, times, addresses, and any dishes or supplies you committed to bringing.
Wear hearing aids if you own them. Hearing your best will help you feel confident and have more fun.
Let hosts know about your hearing loss before the party. They may be able to make arrangements that help you feel more comfortable and have the best time.
Arrive relaxed and well-rested. Feeling your best will help you hear your best.
Be strategic about where you sit. The middle of a dining table will allow you the best view of everyone’s face and help with lip reading.
Distance yourself from a bustling kitchen whenever possible. The kitchen and food and beverage areas tend to be crowded and loud during holiday parties.
Use visual cues during conversation to let others know you’re having trouble hearing. Try holding up a hand behind your ear. This can signal someone to speak up from across the table or room.
Sit with an ally who understands your hearing loss. Your friends and family love you and will be there if you need their help.

Don’ts:

Don’t hesitate to move one-on-one conversations to areas away from noise. Volume levels are often much lower outside, so feel free to take a post-dinner walk to enjoy some quiet conversation.
Don’t be afraid to use technology. Besides hearing aids, assistive tech like in-person captioning apps and sound amplifiers can go a long way to help with hearing loss at parties.
Don’t be pressured to stand with a chatty group. Try inviting someone to join you on the couch to chat. A big, cozy couch can help muffle some surrounding noise, and the lower positioning allows more of the noise to pass above you.
Don’t neglect yourself. Remember to take breaks from conversation. Group settings can tire you physically and mentally, affecting your hearing.
Don’t pretend you heard a missed phrase or joke. This can cause confusion later and worse, doesn’t allow for genuine conversation. It’s okay to ask someone to repeat.
Don’t be hard on yourself. Parties can get loud for everyone. You won’t hear everything, and neither will anyone else!
Don't ever feel ashamed of your hearing loss. Bring your authentic self to the party and you’ll enjoy your time more.

Most importantly, have fun! Once it arrives, the holiday season tends to fly by. Enjoy your time with friends and loved ones.