Hear Better for the Holidays!

The holiday season is just around the corner and while your celebrations might look a little different this year due to the pandemic, it’s important to cherish whatever time you do spend with friends and family.
Regardless whether they’re virtual or in-person, statistics show that 50 percent of us will have someone with hearing loss at our holiday gathering while another 30 percent will include someone with hearing aids. That’s why, especially this year, it’s also important to consider the needs and challenges of loved ones who are suffering from hearing loss.
Hearing is critical to effective communication. And while face masks and physical distancing are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they can also make it far more difficult for people with hearing loss to communicate. People with hearing loss are also already more likely to experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression, which have likely been exacerbated by months of forced social distancing.
Fortunately, there are simple things you can do to ensure your upcoming festivities are safe and enjoyed by all. Here are several tips for communicating more effectively while wearing a face mask and/or physically distancing:
Make sure you have the other person’s attention.
Face them directly, and make sure nothing is blocking your view.
Talk a little louder and a little slower.
Use your hands and your body language.
Ask the person if they understood you; if not, say it a different way or write it down.
Move to a quiet place if you can.
Ask if there’s anything you can do to make communication easier for both of you.
At Santa Clarita’s largest hearing diagnostics center, we know how important hearing is to a person’s life, loved ones, success, and safety.
If you suspect that a friend or family member has hearing loss, don’t let them suffer in silence any longer —call Nola Aronson’s Advanced Audiology at 661.200.0977 or visit www.scvadvancedaudiology.com to schedule your appointment today.