Festive Social Interaction Strategies

We hear from many patients who say they find themselves lip reading without realising before having a hearing loss diagnosed. Lip reading can be a game-changer for people with hearing loss in challenging listening situations, especially social gatherings such as family and friends getting together over the festive season.

Try to position yourself in a place where you can see people’s faces. Pay attention to facial expressions and body language, they’ll give you additional clues about the conversation.

Most hearing aids come with smartphone apps designed to assist in hearing. These can feature simple sound amplifiers which be used to filter out background noise and enhance speech.

As a hearing aid user, you’ll find that educating your friends and family about your needs can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the festive season. Communication is key, so let them know about the challenges you face and how they can help. For example, reducing background noise can make conversations easier for you to follow.

Don’t hesitate to let people know you’re using a hearing aid and may need them to speak a bit louder or slower. Remember, the goal is to enjoy.