This time of year is full of festive fun and memory making. Make the most of your holiday season with these tips and tricks for your favorite holiday festivities.
CONCERTS & PLAYS
Whether you’re in a grand theater or at your grandkid’s school production, not missing a moment is essential to making lasting memories.
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TELELOOP
To help you hear better in these environments, ask about or advocate for a teleloop system. This transmits sound from a microphone to your hearing aid without the distraction of background noise. Many venues have a signer to help those of varying hearing losses experience the performance.
STAYING IN TOUCH
If you have family all over the country, you know the importance of staying in touch. When you experience hearing loss, some of the most personal forms of communication can become frustrating.
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CAPTIONCALL®
To help ensure you’re able to wish everyone in your life a happy holiday season, try out CaptionCall. This free assistive technology service helps with landline phone conversations by displaying on a screen the words of the individual you’re talking to — instantly.
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VIDEO MESSAGING
Try Skype® or FaceTime®. These applications give you the advantage of being able to see the person you’re speaking with for lip-reading, and you can adjust the volume as needed when talking to friends and family.
AROUND THE TABLE
Food is a big part of the holidays — we want to help you get your fill of both the festivities and your friends and family with these better-hearing tips for the table.
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SPEAK UP
If you feel comfortable, a gentle reminder prior to a conversation to slow down, speak up, and speak directly toward you will go a long way, for you and for those in the conversation.
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PICK A PLACE
Sit near a relative you’d like to talk to and who won’t mind repeating comments for you if you miss something. Also, sit at a place at the table where there is less noise to interrupt your conversation.
IT’S PARTY TIME
The more the merrier, right? Parties are another fun part of the holiday season, whether you’re celebrating with your co-workers, your family, or your friends. Put your best foot forward with these communication ideas.
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TURN IT DOWN
As you know, background noise can be very
distracting. The hostess’s job is to help you enjoy yourself, so if you feel comfortable, ask them to turn down the music or television. We’re sure everyone will appreciate not having to yell! -
SMALLER GROUPS ARE BEST
Situating yourself around fewer people can help you focus more on what they’re saying — as well as boost your hearing confidence.
THERE ARE COUNTLESS WAYS FOR YOU TO HEAR YOUR BEST THIS HOLIDAY and endless events to practice in. When you find out what works best for you, you’re giving yourself the greatest gift of all: connection.