Susan began her full time career with Welsch Hearing Aid Company in December, 1984 as the Office Manager. On March 5, 1985, she became a State Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist. In 1994, she passed her National Board for Certification Examination.
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If Thanksgiving conversations felt like a struggle, don’t worry. There are easy ways to make upcoming holiday celebrations more enjoyable for everyone!
By Susan L Fenrich, BC-HIS*
*Board Certified in Hearing Instrument Sciences
Why It Matters
More than half of all holiday get-togethers will include someone with hearing loss, and about 30% of holiday dinners will have a guest wearing hearing aids. For those with difficulty hearing, family events can be exhausting and sometimes lead to isolation or even depression. If you’re hosting a celebration, a few simple steps can dramatically improve communication.
1. Mute the TV During Conversations
If the big game is on while you’re trying to chat, mute the television when people are talking. Competing background noise makes conversations much harder to follow.
2. Plan Seating Strategically
Think about where everyone sits. Children often have higher-pitched voices that can be distracting, so consider giving them their own table in another room—they’ll feel special, and it reduces overall noise. Place guests with hearing challenges at one end of the table so they can focus on nearby conversations, and seat them away from noisy areas like the kitchen.
3. Take Turns Speaking
Multiple conversations at once can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for those with hearing loss. Encourage guests to speak one at a time whenever possible.
4. Keep Faces Visible
Seeing the speaker’s face helps tremendously—many people rely on subtle visual cues or lipreading without realizing it. Use good lighting and avoid tall centerpieces that block sight lines. Round tables can also make it easier for everyone to stay engaged.
5. Lower Background Noise
Holiday gatherings often include music, sports, and lively chatter, which makes speech harder to hear. Keep background music soft—or turn it off during meals. If the TV must stay on, move it to another room and lower the volume. Adding closed captions or a TV listening device can help those who still struggle.
6. Speak Clearly and Naturally
When leading a prayer or addressing the group, speak a little louder—but don’t rush. Enunciate clearly and avoid talking while chewing, as this makes speech harder to understand. People with hearing aids may already be distracted by their own chewing sounds, so clear speech helps.
7. Slow Down the Pace
Holiday excitement often makes us talk faster, but rapid speech can be difficult for older adults and those with hearing aids to process. Speak at a comfortable pace and give listeners time to follow along.
8. Be Patient and Supportive
If Grandma or Grandpa asks you to repeat something, try not to get frustrated. Patience and understanding make a big difference in helping everyone feel included.
9. Address Hearing Concerns
If hearing loss is making life harder, don’t wait to get help. Today’s hearing aids come in a variety of styles and price points, and financial assistance options are available if cost is a concern. If you already use hearing aids, upgrading or adding accessories such as assistive listening devices can greatly improve clarity by sending sound directly to your ears.
Trade-up your old Hearing aids!