Here are some helpful tips when welcoming guests with hearing loss this season.
The holiday season is a time for fun social gatherings, festivities, and opportunities to create cherished memories with those who mean the most to you.
And since one in eight people have hearing loss in the United States, it’s likely that you or some of your friends and family have difficulty hearing to some degree. As you plan to host events this holiday season, you’ll want to ensure that your guests feel comfortable, included, and able to fully enjoy the holiday spirit, regardless of their level of hearing.
In this FAQ guide, we’ll address common questions about hearing loss and the holidays and provide tips on how to help accommodate guests with hearing loss during the holiday season, so that everyone is able to join in the fun.
Q1: How can I make my physical home environment more hearing loss-friendly?
As you prepare to welcome guests to your home, start by reviewing your seating to see if it helps facilitate clear communication. Consider a circular or semi-circular furniture arrangement to ensure that everyone can see each other’s faces when speaking. Remove or re-position large objects that may block line-of-sight communication, such as a large vase arrangement or tall house plants. Instead of dimming the lights to create atmosphere, be sure to keep the lighting bright enough for guests to easily read facial expressions and lips.
Q2: What’s the best way to ensure that everyone feels included in holiday traditions?
Talk to your guests about their preferred ways of participating. Be open to adapting traditions to accommodate everyone’s communication needs. Similarly, if you’re serving food, it’s also a thoughtful gesture to share the menu in advance. This allows guests to plan their food selections and communicate dietary restrictions more effectively instead of being put on the spot to ask about ingredients. The goal is to make everyone feel valued, comfortable, and part of the celebration.
Q3: What about background music and sound levels?
Either skip background music (or TV) entirely or keep it at a low level to ensure conversations are not competing with background noises. Avoid having any loud, constant sound in the background, which can make it difficult for those with hearing loss to follow discussions. You can also set up a quiet room away from television or music for your guests with hearing loss (more about that below).
Q4: How can I communicate better with my hard-of-hearing guests?
Face the person you are speaking with and maintain eye contact, while speaking clearly and at a moderate pace. You don’t necessarily need to raise your voice or get too close to be heard (unless the environment is too loud or your partner requests it. Avoid covering your mouth with your hands or objects or eating, as this can make lip-reading difficult. Feel free to ask guests directly for their individual preferences to help facilitate conversations. Read up on more tips for communicating with people with hearing loss in advance.
Q5: Should I have a designated quiet area for one-on-one conversations?
This is a great idea! Creating a quieter space where guests can have more intimate conversations is a thoughtful, inclusive option. The area can also serve as a retreat for guests who need a break from the noise for any other reason. Consider making a festive sign that indicates that it is an area for quiet conversation.
Q6: How can I make my home more tech-friendly for guests with hearing loss?
Ensure that your Wi-Fi network is available for those who may rely on hearing assistance apps or devices. If you’re planning virtual components to the gathering, like video calls with distant relatives, make sure the technology is set up and tested in advance. Planning to put on the football game or Christmas movies? Have captioning turned on by default.
Q7: How can I include guests in group activities like games and storytelling?
Choose games and activities that don’t rely heavily on spoken communication. Board games, charades, or activities with visual elements can be a great choice. Consider having an activity table where guests can enjoy creating seasonal items like pumpkin crafts or winter decorations. For things like storytelling, speeches, or announcements, have a microphone on hand for sound amplification or pass out a written version for guests to follow along.
Q8: How can I graciously offer assistance if someone seems to be struggling to hear?
If you notice a guest struggling and your relationship is close enough, discreetly ask if they would like any assistance. Offer to repeat information or clarify details as the need arises. Be attentive and willing to help, but also respect your guest’s independence. You can also reach out ahead of time to let your friend or relative know you’re happy to provide support for them during the event. Let your guest be the guide in whatever assistance you offer.
Q9: How can I improve my plans for future gatherings?
After the event, ask your guests with hearing loss for any ideas and suggestions they may have for future gatherings. They may be able to think of new activities to plan or ways you can make the time even more enjoyable and inclusive.
Q10: What’s the most important thing to remember when hosting guests with hearing loss during the holidays?
The most important thing is to be considerate of your guest’s communication needs and preferences. Planning ahead to create an atmosphere that is inclusive and comfortable for everyone from the start will help your company to participate and enjoy themselves more fully.
For those managing hearing loss and the holidays, having supportive and understanding friends and family can make all the difference. By making thoughtful adjustments to your environment, communication, and activities, you can help ensure that everyone feels welcome, valued, and ready to share in the joy of the season.
If you experience hearing loss yourself, read more of our tips on preparing for the holidays here!
