Hearing For the Holidays

We all know the feeling…..the combination of excitement about the holiday season, and concerns about being able to enjoy this time of the year with hearing loss.

This is one of the very best times of the year to put on your self-advocacy hat, and have the fun of the season work for you.

In the past 8-10 years that I have really embraced my hearing loss (after wearing hearing aids for 30 years), I have found amazing support from friends and family.  Acknowledging that I don’t hear well, and inviting people to help me hear better by doing their part, has opened up conversations and created intimacy where I least expected it.  I would encourage everyone who does not hear well to do the same.

The truth is, we all know someone with hearing loss.  Admitting our own encourages conversations that might never happen.  It is an opportunity for us to underscore the prevalence (15% of the total population and over 50% for those over 70).  It is an opportunity to normalize it.  Having hearing loss is not the end of the world, nor even the worst thing that can happen.  It is a disability. No question about that.  Inconvenient, even.  But there are many things worse, including not acknowledging that you have it , and not treating it with appropriate hearing devices.

So put on your big girl/boy pants, walk boldly into those fun holiday events.  Let people know your situation and tell them what they can do to be helpful to you so that you can all share in the gaiety and camaraderie of this festive time of year