We often use proper communication strategies and techniques with others more than with our loved ones. When we are a guest for one-on-one conversations we tend to minimize distractions, sit down, and face each other for the interaction. At home we are usually multitasking, unloading laundry or dishes, walking out of rooms, talking through walls, and we have competing noises like dishwashers and television programs on when we catch up. This leads to breakdowns in communication, and misunderstandings, and can sometimes cause us to avoid conversations completely.
Holiday gatherings can tend to have the same effect– we are still preparing dinner, playing festive holiday music, and the kids are running around playing the loudest game possible! It can be very isolating to be in a room of people and not able to hear to take part in the conversation. With some pre-planning and considerations, everyone can have a great time together.
These helpful tips apply with or without a hearing aid… for those with hearing loss and without!
An example of how exhausting it can be to have hearing loss, think of the game show “Wheel of Fortune”. You know the topic, and you know the vowels and hopefully a few consonants, but your brain has to fill in the gaps to figure out the phrase or word. The more letters missing the harder it is. Now imagine entire conversations playing “Wheel of Fortune” in your head with every sentence…for hours! It’s exhausting and can become more taxing as the brain fatigues throughout an event. The better you can make accommodations and considerations ahead of time, the more your guests can have quality conversations and enjoy the gathering. Unless your family doesn’t get along– then forget everything I just said and crank up the music so no one can hear each other to start a fight!
If you’re an Eargo user and have questions about using these features, please call and ask to speak with one of our hearing professionals at 1 (800) 903-6883.