12/26/2025
Another great article on holiday communication tips that can make a difference for you & your loved ones this season!
Here are some highlights from this article:
-Reduce background noise.
Competing noise from the television or radio can make it more difficult to hear.
-Take turns while talking. It can be challenging to follow the conversation when multiple people are speaking at once. Encourage everyone to adopt this practice.
-Speak clearly, but don’t shout.
Louder isn’t necessarily clearer—and nobody likes to be yelled at when they’re trying to enjoy themselves.
-Face your loved one directly as you speak.
Don’t turn your back on your conversation partner or shout from another room. People often need to see your lips and facial expressions to understand what you’re saying.
-Use good lighting.
A dim room will limit the visual cues (for example, mouth movements) that people with hearing difficulties often use to help them decipher what someone is saying.
-Be patient.
Try not to get annoyed if you must repeat your message. If someone doesn’t understand you the first time, rephrase what you said. Don’t give up on communicating!
-Seat guests strategically.
Arrange the dinner table with conversation in mind. Seat the person with hearing difficulty next to someone who will help keep them involved.
-Understand the impact of masks.
Some family members may choose to wear masks while not actively eating. Although masks are an important protective measure against COVID-19, they can dampen sound and make communication more difficult. Offer additional tips to help mitigate those issues
-Learn the signs of hearing loss.
These include raising the TV volume beyond what’s comfortable for others, frequently requiring speech to be repeated, and seeming irritable or withdrawn.
-Encourage your loved one to seek help.
A person might not think their hearing is that bad or say they’re getting by just fine. But many people underestimate their level of hearing trouble and how it’s affecting other aspects of their lives.
-Be gentle but persistent. Let them know you’re concerned, how treatment can improve their lives immensely, and how you can help them.
Audiologists and SLPs can provide strategies to students, clients, or patients to help those with hearing difficulties better navigate these lively, but often noisy, gatherings of friends and families.
