Christmas celebrations can be a "Silent Night" for many with hearing loss: Tips for a festive season full of sound
November 28, 2024 – (Innsbruck, Austria): The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also present challenges for those with hearing loss. With over 460 million people worldwide affected by disabling hearing loss – a number expected to rise to 700 million by 2050 – the noise and bustle of office parties and family gatherings can make communication difficult, leaving many feeling excluded. Creating an inclusive environment where everyone can connect is key to making the season truly joyful.
Dr Patrick D'Haese, Director of Awareness & Public Affairs at hearing implant company MED-EL, has shared his tips for better communication and connection during the holidays. “Having a ‘Silent Night’ is the reality for many people with hearing loss at this time of year. Many of us have experienced how difficult it can be to hear over loud music and many high-spirited conversations. However, small adjustments in how we celebrate can have a big impact, helping everyone stay connected and enjoy the sounds of the season.”
Consider these tips for better communication and connection during the holidays:
- Lower the volume on music
Music sets the tone for festive celebrations, but loud background music can create a barrier for conversation. Keeping the music at a comfortable volume makes it easier for everyone to engage without straining to hear, especially for those with hearing devices.
- Speak clearly, do not multitask
Avoid speaking while eating or chewing. Speaking clearly and without distractions makes it easier for people with hearing loss to follow.
- Ensure faces are visible
People with hearing loss can rely on lip-reading and facial expressions. Avoid covering your face with scarves or hands, and face the person you are speaking to in well-lit areas for clearer communication. Bonus tip: If you are rocking a Santa beard, consider trimming it – seeing lips clearly is key for lip-reading!
- Choose quieter spots for conversations
In large gatherings, background noise can overwhelm people with hearing loss. Opt for quieter areas for one-on-one conversations and spots with reduced reverberations to ensure everyone can participate comfortably.
- Advocate for your hearing needs
If you use a hearing implant, another hearing solution, or have untreated hearing loss, do not hesitate to let others know what you need. A simple, polite explanation can make a big difference. Pointing to your ear or saying, “I need a little help to hear,” helps create understanding.
Keri, a bilateral cochlear implant user from the USA, explains how her approach to the holidays has evolved: "Instead of opting for large and crowded cocktail parties to celebrate the holiday, I like to host or attend smaller, more intimate gatherings. These settings give me more control over my surroundings, help me better manage conversations, and I enjoy the event so much more. For me, this is the season for quality rather than quantity.” Her perspective emphasizes how important it is to create spaces where people can truly connect with loved ones, friends, and colleagues. That is why the holidays are the perfect time to focus on your hearing health. Dr D'Haese advises, “Do not let hearing loss affect your connection to people that you enjoy spending time with. Give yourself the gift of hearing this Christmas by taking a hearing test; they are quick and painless, and a vital first step to ensuring that your hearing health is in top shape.”
Take action now: Get your free hearing test
MED-EL encourages everyone to check their hearing this holiday season. Visit our website to take a free hearing test and make sure you are ready to enjoy all the sounds of the season.
About MED-EL
MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and was the basis for what is known as the modern CI today. This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 2,800 employees from around 80 nations and 30 locations worldwide.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 137 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. www.medel.com
CEO
Doz. DI Dr DDr med. h.c. Ingeborg Hochmair
Press Contact
PR & Corporate Communications
MED-EL Medical Electronics
Fürstenweg 77a
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
T: +43 5 7788
E: [email protected]
