A barbecue, date night or farmer’s market outing can be severely hampered by hearing loss, as it can make communication and engagement difficult. Summer gatherings like these are what create memorable summers and keep us connected, so let’s discuss ways to work with this feeling and make memories that will last.
Control the Environment
This is a little harder if you’re visiting someone else’s home or out in public, but try to manage the environment as best you can to make it conducive to hearing well. Try to eliminate sources of background noise, such as music or nearby appliances, by turning the source off or moving the group away from it. Seek out a spot with good lighting so you can use nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and hand gestures. You can even pay attention to acoustics by sitting or standing against a wall, preferably a soft wall.
Be Honest About Your Needs
Communication is a two-way street, so make sure you’re telling your loved ones up front about what your listening needs are. Make simple requests, like asking them to speak more clearly or slowly.
Do not try to pretend you heard when you didn’t. While this is easy in the moment and makes you feel like you’re staying connected to the conversation, quite the opposite happens. Bluffing like this leads to disengagement and embarrassment, which could cause you to draw back even further.
Take a Break
Listening fatigue is a very real phenomenon for people with hearing loss. This occurs when the mental load of listening becomes so great that you feel tired or struggle to concentrate. If you notice this feeling while chatting, excuse yourself for five to ten minutes to decompress. Then you can reenter the conversation and feel more energized and ready to engage again.
Wear Your Hearing Aids
Did you know that fewer than 30% of adults who could benefit from hearing aids wear them? These devices go a long way in keeping you engaged in conversations. If you’ve been hesitant to get hearing aids, or if you have them but opt not to wear them, they really can help in situations like these. They amplify speech, muffle background noise and lessen the cognitive load that leads to listening fatigue.
If you want to learn more about how hearing aids can help you in conversations, call us at Audiology Associates of Redding.