Whether it’s a work party or a big celebration with friends at McGinty’s Public House, it can feel as though there’s a different social event every week.
Considering that 7.1% of adults over the age of 45 use hearing aids, many may be wondering how to navigate these parties while wearing them. Thankfully, if you use hearing aids, there are several things you can do before and during social events to make it an easier and more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Leave The House Prepared
Make sure your hearing aids are fully charged (if you use a rechargeable device) or have new batteries. Consider bringing extra batteries with you as well, just to be prepared. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of a conversation and have your hearing aids lose power!
Make The Most of Your Environment
Even with hearing aids, your listening environment can play a huge part in how well you can hear and therefore enjoy yourself at a party. If you have any say in where the venue is being held, opt for quieter places that are well-lit and ideally is carpeted or have drapes as opposed to all hard surfaces to help absorb sound.
Even in situations where you don’t choose the event space, you can still make the most of your surroundings by picking a spot in the corner of the room and steering clear of spots close to the speakers or noisy areas like the kitchen.
Utilize Helpful Hearing Aid Settings
Many hearing aids come programmed with different settings that can help suppress unwanted background noise and focus on the voices of your friends and other things you want to hear. Ask your audiologist how to utilize or adjust your settings. If your current hearing aids don’t have that ability, check to see if it’s time for an upgrade!
Be Open with Others About Your Hearing Loss
Most people are more than happy to make accommodations for people with hearing loss. If you need something that will make socializing easier, don’t be afraid to ask! Let someone know if you need to move to a quieter part of the room or step outside for a bit. It can also be helpful to give them a head’s up on effective communication strategies like making sure to face you and avoid covering their mouth when speaking.
If you would like more tips on how to socialize with hearing aids or need to schedule an appointment, call Hearing Center Silver Spring today.