If you’re going to be attending holiday parties, it’s well worth planning ahead.

As countless holiday movies have shown us, family parties can be especially stressful for the hosts. Add on top of that the anxiety of dealing with hearing loss throughout the event and you may already be dreaming of a tall glass of eggnog (or something even stronger). 

However, hearing loss doesn’t have to keep you from opening your home to your loved ones this holiday season. This article will help you prepare your home and navigate the challenges that come with hosting while hard-of-hearing. 

Communication starts before the event 

Remember, hearing loss is nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Letting your guests know about your hearing loss ahead of time can relieve some of the pressure you might be feeling. 

Politely ask that they try to speak slowly and clearly and face you while speaking. You may even learn that some of your guests would also benefit from a hearing-loss-friendly gathering.   

Prepare your home 

Look around your home. Where are the potential sources of background noise? On holidays, the kitchen tends to be noisy, with blenders, food processors, microwaves, dishwashers, and any other appliances you might need to run all in use. If there are any sports fans in your family, expect the TV to be on for at least part of the day as well. 

It can be helpful to claim a space as a hearing loss friendly “quiet zone,” meant exclusively for conversation. Pick a place away from the sources of background noise. You might even consider temporarily rearranging your furniture to better suit the occasion. 

Set the table with hearing loss in mind 

Whether you’re hosting or attending as a guest, be sure to request a prime seat at the table for optimal hearing during the meal. The head of the table may traditionally be a place of honor, but somewhere near the middle is usually better for acoustics. 

Reading lips can be helpful when you have hearing loss. You may not even realize how much you rely on it. The ambiance of low lighting isn’t worth struggling to communicate across the table. Same goes for large centerpieces. Make sure your dining area is well lit and your table setting provides clear lines of sight, especially for anyone with hearing loss (including yourself). 

Plan some inclusive family activities 

Family get-togethers can be a little chaotic at times, especially with large groups. Often multiple conversations will start overlapping, making it difficult to keep track of who’s talking and what they’re saying. 

One great way to avoid this is by having some group activities planned. Traditional party games like charades or Pictionary maintain a lively energy while also cutting down on the confusing background noise. There’s also an entire industry of fun, inclusive party games for groups of all ages, if you’re looking for a little variety or to try something new. 

Watching old family videos or going through photo albums can also focus attention on one thing and make it easier for anyone with hearing loss to stay involved.  

Manage stress and fatigue 

One thing the holiday season and hearing loss have in common is that they both can be exhausting. Studies show that people with hearing loss can often experience listening fatigue. Understanding speech when you can’t hear it clearly literally requires more brainpower, which is why you may feel tired after big social gatherings or similar events where you had to listen a lot. 

It’s important to give yourself opportunities to recharge, even while hosting. Once the party is underway and people are comfortable and know where the bathrooms are, there’s no reason not to slip away for a few minutes of quiet.  

Remember that you can also ask for help. You may be the host, but you don’t have to do every little task yourself. Delegate! Give particularly sociable guests “party jobs” like setting the table, refreshing drinks, or keeping the music going.  

Conclusion 

Hosting a holiday get-together can be a stressful experience, even for those without hearing loss. We hope these tips will help you manage your hearing loss so you can enjoy the time with your loved ones in your home this holiday season.