Tips to Ensure Your Hearing is at its Best
The holiday season is fast approaching—a time filled with laughter, lively conversations, and the familiar hum of family gatherings. For those with hearing loss, however, the joyous sounds of the season can sometimes be difficult to fully enjoy. Whether it’s the children’s giggles, the clinking of glasses at the dinner table, or the heartfelt toasts made by loved ones, you want to ensure that you don’t miss out on any special moments this year.
If you or a loved one relies on hearing aids, it’s important to take steps to care for them properly so you can enjoy every sound the holidays have to offer. Our audiologists put together these tips to help you make the most of your hearing this holiday season.
1. Schedule a Hearing Aid Check-Up
Before the holiday rush, it’s a good idea to visit your audiologist for a check-up. Hearing aids can accumulate wear and tear over time, so a professional cleaning or adjustment might be just what they need to function optimally. Your audiologist can also perform a hearing test to ensure your hearing aids are appropriately calibrated for any changes in your hearing.
If it’s been a while since your last visit, don’t wait. A simple check-up can make all the difference, ensuring you won’t miss a single conversation this holiday season.
2. Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Maintaining clean hearing aids is essential for clear sound quality. Dust, dirt, earwax, and moisture can build up on your hearing aids, affecting their performance. Make it a habit to clean them daily by wiping them down with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using water or alcohol-based cleaners, as these can damage the delicate components of the hearing aids.
Also, regularly check the microphone openings for blockages and clean them with a small brush, which is usually included with your hearing aids.
3. Stay Powered Up
There’s nothing worse than having your hearing aids run out of power right in the middle of a holiday event. Make sure to stock up on extra batteries so you’re always prepared. If you use rechargeable hearing aids, be diligent about charging them every night to ensure they’re fully charged when you need them.
It’s also wise to bring along a portable charger or extra batteries if you’re traveling, so you’re not caught off guard during long holiday visits.
4. Adjust Your Hearing Aids for Noisy Environments
Holiday gatherings can be noisy, with background chatter, music, and other sounds making it harder to hear individual voices. Many modern hearing aids come with settings that can help you filter out background noise and focus on the conversation in front of you. If you’re not sure how to adjust your hearing aids for different environments, ask your audiologist to guide you through the process or to make adjustments for you.
Remember, positioning yourself in quieter areas or away from noisy sources, like speakers or the kitchen, can also improve your ability to hear in group settings.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Advocate for Yourself
It’s easy to feel self-conscious about hearing loss, but the holidays are about connection—and everyone wants to make sure you’re included. Don’t hesitate to ask family members to speak up or slow down when they’re talking. You can also request to sit in well-lit areas where you can see facial expressions and lips for additional context.
Let your loved ones know if you need to take a moment to adjust your hearing aids or step away from a noisy area.
6. Plan Ahead for Travel
If you’re traveling to see family this holiday season, take extra care with your hearing aids. Bring your cleaning kit, extra batteries, and a hard case to protect them when you’re not wearing them. If you’re flying, be aware that metal detectors at airports won’t damage your hearing aids, but you can inform security staff if you’d like to have them hand-checked instead.
7. Protect Your Hearing from Loud Noises
Holiday celebrations can sometimes get loud—especially when there is music. Protect your hearing by stepping away from overly noisy environments or using ear protection. This will help ensure that your hearing stays healthy for years to come.
Enjoy the Holidays to the Fullest
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your hearing aids perform their best, allowing you to experience all the wonderful sounds of the holidays. After all, the laughter, music, and conversations with family and friends is what make this time of year truly special.
If you’re concerned about your hearing aids or think your hearing has changed, don’t wait until the holidays are here to act. Schedule a hearing aid check-up or hearing test with your audiologist today and ensure you’re ready for all the joy this season has to offer.