Enjoying Social Events with Hearing Loss

Figuring out what to wear, what to bring, who to go with and what time to show up–there is a lot to decide when attending a party or other social event. And if you have hearing loss, there may be another question to consider: will I be able to keep up with conversation?

Listening and understanding others in a crowd can pose a challenge for someone with hearing loss in the best circumstances. Add to this the clatter of dishes and music resonating off the walls, and the task of listening can quickly become tiresome.

But parties can also be great fun: a chance to let loose, to catch up with old friends and make new ones, to dance and celebrate life. If you are someone who loves to eat, drink and be merry, don’t let your hearing loss discourage you from attending social events. Just arm yourself with these tips on how to hear better and minimize stress in noisy environments.

1) Outdoor parties are great!

Here in California, we have great weather year-round. Our balmy days and nights offer a special kind of a gathering–an outdoor party. Being outside without the distraction of noisy appliances and loud music significantly lessens the difficulty of hearing in a crowd. Daytime and early evening parties are particularly good as there is enough light to see people’s faces (and read lips if necessary). So, the next time you’re invited to a backyard party, take advantage of the opportunity to connect with your friends in (relatively) quiet surroundings.

2) Know which social events are especially challenging for you.

Unfortunately, they can’t all be outdoor parties. Most social gatherings are indoors, and things get progressively noisier as the night wears on. If there are some social events which are particularly demanding for you in terms of listening, plan to arrive early and leave before you get too worn out. Parties with live music, gatherings at noisy bars, and large dinners at clattery, cavernous restaurants may pose bigger challenges in terms of competing background noise.

3) Pace yourself, and take “listening breaks”

If you plan to be at a party for several hours, it is important to pace yourself, both in terms of talking, and how much you have to drink. Consuming too much alcohol too quickly will make it more difficult for you to understand others, and leave you exhausted. Similarly, trying to keep pace with conversations in a place with excessive noise will tire you out before you know it. To preserve your energy and reduce stress, make sure to give yourself short listening breaks now and again, retreating to a quieter area for a one-on-one conversation, or just some alone time.

4) Ask a friend to sit on a couch with you for a chat.

Couches are great in that they help to muffle background noise, and since you are sitting the noise will be above you, and less overwhelming. Your friend will probably welcome the chance to sit down and catch up with you as well!
 

5) Spend time with people who have loud, clear voices and expressive faces.

Depending on the exact nature of your hearing loss, you may hear better in lower or higher frequencies. People with high-frequency hearing loss struggle to understand women and children, while those who have lost the lower frequencies have trouble understanding men. If there is someone at the party who you have an easier time understanding, spend as much time with them as possible.
 

6) Make sure the light is right.

Try to find a place to socialize where the light is not in your eyes too much, and avoid areas where it’s too dark to see people’s faces.

7) Invite your conversation partner to go out into the garden or on the balcony.

Provided it’s not freezing out, take advantage of the party’s quieter outdoor areas where it will be easier for you and your friend to hear each other.

 
8) If it’s too noisy to talk, enjoy the things you can appreciate.

Remember that it’s always ok to take a step back and watch for a bit. Parties are a treat for the senses–you can take in the music, the smell of the evening air, and the hum of conversations until you are ready to get back in the mix–or head home to a nice tea and a book.

Visit Us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services

Have you had trouble hearing social settings? If you have been struggling with hearing, visit us at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services. We provide comprehensive hearing tests and hearing aid fittings.