Getting through the Festivities with Hearing Loss

 The festive season can be a stressful time of year for people suffering from hearing loss. Between all the social gatherings and religious services, not being able to hear can put a real damper on things. Unfortunately, hearing loss can be just as hard on family members as it is the person who actually suffers from it.

If you will be entertaining a family member or two with hearing problems in Glasgow this holiday season, here are some tips that will help you make the best of your gatherings:

• Face your loved one directly when speaking to him or her. Not only does this direct sound waves toward this person, but it also affords the opportunity to see your facial expressions and read your lips. 
• If you can, find a quiet and well-lit area to have your conversation. The less background noise, the easier it will be to talk. Adequate lighting will also help with facial expressions and lip reading. 
• Avoid shouting if your loved one can’t hear you. Shouting only distorts your words and annoys everyone else around you. 
• If your loved one doesn’t understand what you’re saying, try rephrasing your sentence. Don’t simply repeat it word-for-word. Sometimes people with hearing loss can identify some words but not others.
• Don’t simply drop the conversation because you’re having trouble communicating. This only serves to make your loved one feel ashamed, isolated, and uninterested in social interaction.  

Hearing loss can add unnecessary stress to the festive season. However, if you are willing to make an effort to accommodate your loved ones in conversation and other activities, things will be better for everyone.

If you’re looking for some advice or help on anything to with hearing, hearing test or hearing aids, call me today on 0141 345 2036.