Who doesn’t love delicious food and time well-spent with family and friends? It can be difficult to get as excited about Thanksgiving when you’re experiencing hearing loss. Communication is key to a successful Thanksgiving day. Large dining room tables with lots of people, along with the background noise of cooking, football games and chatter can make for a tough listening situation.

As your audiologist in Omaha, NE, we wanted to give you some tips on how you can hear better during Thanksgiving. Wearing your hearing aids, sitting in the best seat and using cues when you cannot hear well enough will help you be able to savor every moment of your Thanksgiving. Below are tips for better communication with the loved ones you’ll be spending this day with!

Talk to your host in advance

If your host knows how to best accommodate your hearing loss before the event, you’ll be set up for success. If your host is one who makes name placement cards, they can strategically place you in a good spot for you to hear everyone. The more specific you are, the better this day will be.

Dress for the event

Along with your Thanksgiving day outfit, remember to wear your hearing aids. Your hearing aids will allow you to enjoy more conversations with less effort. They’ll help you be a part of all the holiday celebrations. Some hearing aids have options for restaurants and louder settings, so consider testing those options out. Also, if you’re traveling away from home, pack extra batteries just in case. 

Choose the best seat at the table

If your host has not already placed you somewhere that will work, request to be at the middle of the table with your back against the wall. Conversations around the dinner table are the highlight of Thanksgiving, even though we love turkey and pumpkin pie. You’ll want to be seated where you can see everyone’s face when they’re speaking.

Limit background noise

If those you’re spending Thanksgiving with are ones who like to play music or have a football game on, ask them to turn it down during dinner so you can better hear those who are talking. You don’t want to experience listening fatigue, so take breaks from the noise when needed.

Ask for assistance

It’s okay to ask for help. Thanksgiving is a day of thankfulness, and those who love you will be more than willing to help out where they can. Feel free to ask them to speak up if you cannot hear clearly; you don’t have to pretend you can hear well enough throughout the day.

Make the most out of it

If you hear incorrectly or reply to a question wrong, just make the most out of it. Laugh it off and continue the conversation. It happens sometimes, and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. Thanksgiving is all about being grateful and enjoying good company while eating a satisfying meal. Nobody is there to make you feel bad.

Visit your audiologist in Omaha, NE

Scheduling an appointment to visit your audiologist in Omaha, NE  is a good idea during the holiday season. They can make sure your hearing aids are in good condition and give you a hearing check to determine if you need a different type of hearing aid. Contact us today to discuss your options!