Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- Enjoying the Holidays With Hearing Aids - December 15, 2024
- Creating a Home That Is Friendly for Hearing Loss - December 5, 2024
- The Role of Service Dogs for People with Hearing Loss - November 28, 2024
The holiday season is a time for joy, laughter, and connecting with loved ones. However, if you wear hearing aids, the festivities can sometimes feel overwhelming. From crowded gatherings to bustling family dinners, it’s important to take steps to ensure you enjoy your time. The good news is, with a few strategies, you can have a memorable and pleasant holiday experience.
Preparing for Holiday Gatherings
Before the holiday events begin, take some time to get ready. Make sure your hearing aids are in top condition. Clean them, check the batteries, and carry extras. Understanding the features of your hearing aids can also help you manage different environments. Many modern hearing aids have settings for noise reduction, which can be very useful during loud gatherings.
Let Loved Ones Know
One simple step to improve your holiday experience is to let your family and friends know about your hearing aids. This helps them be mindful of speaking clearly and not talking over each other. It also allows them to be patient and understanding if you need to ask them to repeat something. Open communication goes a long way in making everyone feel comfortable.
During the Party
At the party, choose a seat that works best for you. If you can, sit with your back to a wall. This reduces the noise originating from behind, making it easier to hear those in front of you. If you’re in a large room, try to stay away from the loudest areas, like near the kitchen or a speaker.
Taking Breaks
Don’t hesitate to take breaks if the noise becomes too much. Step outside or find a quiet room where you can relax for a few minutes. This can help you recharge and be ready to join the festivities again.
When talking with others, try to have one-on-one conversations. These are often easier to manage than group discussions. Make eye contact, as this helps in understanding the speaker better. If you miss something, don’t be shy about asking them to repeat or rephrase it. Most people are more than happy to help.
Keeping Kids and Pets in Mind
Holidays often mean spending time with children and pets, who can be energetic and noisy. While their enthusiasm is heartwarming, it can be a challenge if you wear hearing aids. Consider engaging with them in quieter activities. Reading a book, doing a craft, or playing a board game can be fun and less loud.
Making the Most of Technology
Your hearing aids are packed with technology designed to help you. Use the features to your advantage. For instance, if your hearing aids connect to your phone, you can stream music or take calls directly through them. This can make participating in holiday traditions like caroling or calling distant relatives much easier.
Utilizing Apps
Many hearing aids now come with smartphone apps. These apps offer additional controls like adjusting volume levels and changing modes. Familiarize yourself with these tools so you can quickly adapt to different holiday environments.
If your holiday plans include traveling, there are a few additional things to consider. Make sure to pack all your hearing aid essentials—extra batteries, a charger, cleaning tools, and any necessary accessories. Notify the airline or hotel about your hearing needs so they can provide any necessary assistance.
Traveling Comfortably
During travel, headphones designed for hearing aid users can be very useful. They allow you to listen to entertainment or follow announcements without removing your aids. Likewise, portable chargers ensure your hearing aids remain powered throughout your trip.
Embracing the Holiday Spirit
The essence of the holidays is about spending time with loved ones and creating lasting memories. Despite the challenges that may come with wearing hearing aids, taking proactive steps can greatly enhance your experience. Be prepared, communicate openly, and utilize technology to your benefit. By doing so, you can fully embrace the spirit of the season.
Stay Positive
Stay positive and patient with yourself. Adjusting to different sound environments can be tiring, but the effort is worth it. Allow yourself to enjoy the sights, tastes, and smells of the season, even if you miss some sounds.
Reflecting on Joy
Finally, take a moment to reflect on the joys of the season. Look back at the wonderful conversations, the shared meals, and the laughter. These are the moments that make the holidays special.
With the right mindset and preparation, the holiday season can be an enjoyable and fulfilling time. Celebrate with those you love, knowing that you can maneuver through any challenges with ease and grace. Here’s to a festive season filled with joy, connection, and wonderful memories.