Make sure you’re ready for spooky season with these easy-to-follow ideas.
Halloween is a time for fun, costumes, and festive celebrations. It’s important to keep the activities hearing loss-friendly to include everyone. Being prepared for the season can help you have a safer, more enjoyable experience. Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind for this year’s Halloween.
Avoid Loud Decorations
Halloween decorations are often designed to surprise and delight (or frighten!), and some can be particularly noisy. Sound-activated displays, loud speakers, and even large groups of people gathered around haunted houses or trick-or-treat routes can create a lot of background noise, which can be difficult for people with hearing loss.
If you or someone in your group wears assistive listening devices like hearing aids, it’s a good idea to avoid areas that are overly loud or contain jarring noises. Loud sounds can create distortion or feedback in devices, making it difficult to communicate or stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re hosting a Halloween event, consider choosing quieter decorations or setting volume limits to keep the atmosphere fun for everyone.
Choose Costumes That Accommodate Hearing Devices
Costumes are a huge part of Halloween fun, but for those who use assistive listening devices like hearing aids or have cochlear implants, it’s important to choose costumes that won’t interfere with your devices. Large hats, wigs, masks, or any accessories that cover or obstruct the ears and surrounding area can be uncomfortable or cause difficulty in wearing your devices. Opt for costumes that are compatible with your hearing devices, such as those that leave your ears unobstructed. Some costumes can even be customized to integrate hearing devices, keeping them accessible while still allowing you to get into the Halloween spirit.
Communicate With Your Group
Halloween often involves going out with friends or family, whether it’s trick-or-treating, attending a party, or visiting a haunted house. When you’re with a group, it’s important to make sure everyone understands your communication preferences. You may also ask that people in your group choose costumes that don’t obstruct their face or mouth so you’re better able to understand what they’re saying or lip-read. Being open can help everyone in the group stay mindful of communicating in a way that works for you.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Halloween night can be a busy time, especially in neighborhoods where children and families are out trick-or-treating. Staying aware of your surroundings is particularly important for everyone. With groups of people walking around, cars driving by, and outdoor decorations making noise, it can be easy to become overwhelmed.
To stay safe, stick with a group, use reflective clothing or accessories, and take breaks if you need to step away from the noise for a moment. Plan your trick-or-treat route or haunted house excursion ahead of time, focusing on areas that aren’t too crowded or loud, so you can enjoy the evening without becoming overstimulated.
Halloween is a time for creativity, fun, and connection, but it’s important to consider all aspects of the evening. By choosing costumes that allow for clear communication, being mindful of loud decorations, and using assistive technology when necessary, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. For more tips and tricks, read the CapTel blog.
