It’s the holiday season. I think most people approach this time with a mixture of emotions. Excitement, dread, anxiety, frustration, joy, exhaustion – they all take turns. Even if your holiday gatherings are pure fun, they can take a lot of energy. As we are approaching lots of get togethers, it’s a good time to strategize how to make it through this holiday season.

I think one of the most important things is to plan for your hearing fatigue. With all the people talking and the long days together, there will be fatigue for sure. Make sure you plan in recovery times around the days you have gatherings. I know sometimes you have to do back to back events but take quiet time when you can- even if it is just ear plugs in the car between houses. And if you have more control over your holiday events, maybe space them out a little so you can recharge before the next one.

Also, plan how you are going to take hearing breaks during the event. I think it can be overwhelming to figure out during the event so having a plan in place beforehand can help you make it happen. Sometimes it can be something as simple as handling putting the baby down for the nap- that will get you a quiet break. Or maybe you plan to wash the linens after the meal and take a few extra minutes in the laundry room. My family often takes walks outside after the big meals, and I rely on that for some quiet time. Even 5 minutes in the restroom by yourself can help you reset.

Be intentional in your seating choices. Take the chair at the table that puts people on your hearing side, and don’t feel bad about asking for it. Maybe when folks are sitting and chatting there is a room with a lower ceiling to talk in- go there. Or perhaps there is an alcove with just a couple chairs for chatting rather than the large group, that would be great place for visiting. If a room is especially loud, say the kitchen, try to remove yourself from the area with extra background noise (if possible).

Don’t be afraid to ask someone to turn holiday music down or even off, especially during the socializing portions of the event. If you are in a situation like an office party where that isn’t reasonable, try and make sure you are not near the speakers to increase your ability to hear.

Because we often fill in hearing blanks with visual cues, make sure the lighting is good and ask for more light if needed. Also, if there is a large centerpiece blocking your view of other people talking, check to see if it can be moved during the meal so you can better speech read.

Here is a link to several holiday articles in case you would like more resources to help you through the season: https://www.anausa.org/latest-news/1132-hearing-loss-holiday-edition