Christmas, Kwanzaa and other winter holidays are just around the corner. Find out ways to get the most out of your holiday in this week’s Audicus blog!
The holidays can be a very enjoyable, yet overwhelming, time of the year. Loud noises at social gatherings and extreme weather can put a damper on people who rely on hearing aids and other hearing devices. Some tips to prevent any troubles while maximizing your holiday cheer include:
Involving Yourself in Social Gatherings
It’s common for friends and family to spend extended amounts of time together during their favorite holidays. Hearing loss can make it tricky to keep up with conversations, especially if there are multiple people talking at once. Be sure to stay within earshot of whoever’s speaking.
Don’t be afraid to ask people to repeat themselves if you couldn’t hear what they said the first time, and wear your hearing aids normally to make it easier to communicate. Staying off to the sidelines might leave you feeling unnecessarily isolated!
Protecting Your Hearing Aids during Inclement Weather
Winter holidays are usually accompanied by winter weather! Snow, rain and other forms of precipitation can damage hearing aids, rendering them less efficient or completely nonfunctional.
Be sure to protect your devices by keeping them away from contact with snow, rain or sleet. When wearing your hearing aid, make sure it is anchored properly to avoid strong winds from blowing it off of your ears. When not in use, store your hearing aid above ground level, as moisture can leak into housing during the winter months and cause water damage.
Treat Yourself!
Take part in the holiday festivities by indulging in seasonal treats! It’s no surprise that a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and lean meats can be good for your health, but did you know that what you eat can also affect your hearing?
The nutrients found in foods such as dark chocolate, bananas, and salmon have been linked to lower rates of hearing loss. When it comes to enjoying holiday meals and protecting your hearing, you can have your cake and eat it too.
Enjoying Holiday Time Indoors
One of the best parts of the holidays is the ability to stay indoors, away from the cold and loud noises of the outside. Excessive traffic and construction work are just a couple of outdoor activities that can cause or worsen hearing loss.
Avoid public events that hurt your ears. Feel free to excuse yourself during family gatherings if you think that the volume is putting yourself in danger. There are a number of decibel apps that can allow you to assess whether your environment is harmful to your ears.
Hearing Aid Devices as Gifts
Do you have a friend or family member who uses a hearing device? Surprise them with a special gift! Not only are there different types of hearing aids available for purchase, there are also a number of hearing aid accessories including batteries, cases and Bluetooth controllers. With these easy tips for the holidays, improving your hearing health is the gift that keeps on giving!