Instead of trying to keep up with everyone at the same time over loud music, one-to-one conversations can help you enjoy the social interactions on your terms and with less stress. This can also give you the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people you perhaps have not seen much during the year.

Where you sit at the table can impact how you hear. By sitting near a wall, you can block out excessive background noise behind you to help you hear the people at the table better.

If you’re attending an event on your own, see if you can find a friend, relative or colleague who can repeat or clarify things you may not have fully grasped. At dinner, seat yourself next to a person you have the least difficulty hearing or someone who usually clues you in on missed pieces of conversation.

Why not ask for help? Instead of nodding along with a conversation you have trouble following, be honest and ask your family to repeat what they said. And if you are a guest at someone else’s gathering, they’ll want you to have an enjoyable and entertaining time, it doesn’t hurt to let your host know in advance that you have hearing challenges and what they can do to make sure you’re able to keep up with the conversation. Such as lowering the volume on Christmas music or consider the lighting so you can engage with guests in a well-lit area so that you can read people’s lips and visual clues if necessary.

Your hearing is not just for Christmas, it’s for life. Contact your nearest branch to book an Initial Assessment, let us help you enjoy the sound of this festive season and all the ones to come.