The holiday season is all about spending time with loved ones, enjoying festive events, and creating memories. If you use hearing devices, a bit of preparation can make all the difference to help you make the most of these moments. Whether you're at a lively party, watching a holiday movie, or soaking in the sounds of the season with friends and family, here are some simple tips to help you get the best out of your hearing devices this time of the year.
Here's 4 Tips to Help You Hear the Magic of the Holidays.
1. Optimising Your Device Settings
Each holiday gathering comes with its own set of acoustic challenges, which may not be apparent throughout the rest of the year. Whether it’s a lively party, a dinner with family and friends, or a live festive concert, adjusting your hearing device settings can greatly improve clarity and enjoyment in different situations. Many hearing devices now offer modes (sometimes known as "programs") such as Speech in Noise, which focuses on amplifying voices in front of you by activating the directional microphone, or Music Mode for richer surroundings like concerts or live events.
Suggestion: Familiarise yourself with the settings and presets your device offers for specific environments, and don’t hesitate to adjust settings mid-event to suit your needs. For example, choosing a setting like Speech in Noise or equivalent can activate the front microphone to help focus on a conversation partner opposite you at a busy table. If you're unsure about what settings you have on your device, consult your audiologist—they may be able to adjust or add presets that suit your lifestyle and surroundings.
2. Planning Ahead With Your Hearing Device
Even if you're not travelling much, it’s still important to regularly clean and maintain your hearing devices. This includes using dry packs to absorb moisture, cleaning the microphone covers, and ensuring you have enough batteries. A little preparation can go a long way.
Suggestions: Many places are closed over the festive season, and it may take longer to receive parts if needed. Check the opening dates of your audiologist and service centre, and ensure you have enough spare components like batteries, dry kits, and microphone covers to last over the coming weeks.
3. Being Mindful and Managing Listening Fatigue
Festive gatherings can be demanding for everyone, not just those with hearing devices. Listening fatigue is common, so it’s important to pace yourself and manage your energy throughout the festivities. Taking steps to conserve energy can help you fully enjoy the celebrations. Remember, managing fatigue is a shared experience, so don’t hesitate to advocate for quieter moments if needed.
Suggestion: Take breaks in quieter spaces when you start feeling tired to let your brain rest. Limit your time in noisy settings or alternate between quieter and livelier parts of the event. Planning ahead, such as scouting quieter areas or being aware of noisier environments, can help you conserve energy while still enjoying the occasion.
4. Engage with the Sounds of the Season
The holidays aren’t just about what you see or taste—they’re also about what you hear. From the joyful melodies of holiday music to the cheerful chatter of the crowds, these sounds can take you back to treasured memories. Just as the scent of pine or gingerbread stirs nostalgia, familiar holiday sounds can evoke warm emotions.
Suggestion: Take a moment to pause and immerse yourself in the auditory beauty of the season. Appreciating these sounds can make the holidays even more magical as it's sometimes the little things which make the big things.
The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to reconnect—with loved ones, cherished traditions, and the sounds that make this time of year special. By being proactive with your hearing device settings, planning ahead, and taking steps to manage your energy, you can navigate festive events with greater ease and enjoyment.
Remember, these gatherings are about connection, not perfection. Whether it’s through a favourite holiday tune, a shared laugh, or a quiet moment of reflection, embracing the sounds of the season in your own way can make the experience all the more meaningful. So this year, let the holidays be not just about hearing the noise, but truly listening to the moments that matter.
Do you have any strategies or tools have you found most useful during festive gatherings? How have your experiences shaped the way you approach holiday events with your hearing device?
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