Do you dread going to noisy holiday parties because you are having trouble hearing people? Here are some tips to help.
First,
if you have a hearing aid, wear it! It has been programmed to your
specific hearing pattern, so use it! If you don't use it much, read the
manual or online instructions and try it out in a noisy place ahead of
time.
At the party, you will hear better with less competing noise. Talk to people in a side room or hall if that's quieter.
If
you are really interested in talking to someone, self-advocate! Tell
the person you have a hearing loss, and ask if they can repeat a
specific word or sentence. If they try to talk louder, ask if they can
talk a little slower instead, but not exaggerate their words.
If you are at a holiday dinner or other event, try to face the person to whom you are talking. This will help with lip-reading as well as watching body language.
The e-book What Did You Say? Coping with Hearing Loss in the Workplace, has practical strategies and is a quick-read concise source of help. Get it before your next event!
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