Celebrate the Season: Holiday Tips for Staying Connected and Confident
The holidays bring moments we look forward to all year; family gatherings, festive outings, school concerts, movie marathons, and quiet nights at home. However, for those who are Deaf, or Hard of Hearing, the holiday season can also bring unique communication challenges.
At HEAR Wisconsin, we believe everyone deserves to fully experience the warmth and connection the holidays bring. Whether you’re navigating a busy family celebration, hosting guests, or supporting a loved one with hearing loss, small steps can make this season more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable.
Here are a few practical ways to make sure the sounds and moments of the season are meaningful for everyone.
1. Create Communication Friendly Spaces at Gatherings
Holiday meals and parties can be joyful… and noisy. Background music, clinking dishes, and overlapping conversations can make communication harder.
Try these simple strategies:
Choose good lighting so faces and hands are visible.
Lower background noises, like music or the TV, when possible.
Seat guests thoughtfully, placing those with hearing loss where they can see the most people.
A few small tweaks can make a big difference in making guests feel comfortable and included.
2. Lean on Helpful Technology
Assistive technology isn’t only for daily routines. It can make holiday gatherings easier too.
Devices like:
Amplified phones make it easier to stay connected to family out of town.
Alerting systems such as doorbell flashers, vibrating alarms, or baby monitors, help keep everyone safe and informed in a busy household.
Bluetooth headsets allow you to connect to your TV, wirelessly, and enjoy shared movie nights without turning the volume up for the entire room.
If you’re looking for recommendations or want to explore options, our Assistive Technology Center specialists can help you find the right tools for your needs.
3. Keep Hearing Aids Working Their Best
Winter weather brings extra challenges with cold temperatures, condensation, and dry air that causes static electricity.
A few seasonal reminders:
Keep devices dry using a drying box overnight and wipe down hearing aids after coming inside from the snow.
Carry spare batteries or a portable charger when traveling.
Avoid leaving hearing aids in cold cars, as extreme cold temperatures can cause batteries to die.
If you notice changes in sound quality, discomfort, or unusual performance, our audiology team is here for quick checks, adjustments, or troubleshooting.
4. Protect Your Ears During Holiday Activities
From holiday parades to cheering at hockey games, December can get loud.
To keep your ears safe:
Wearing earplugs or earmuffs at loud events helps prevent damage to your hearing, especially for children.
Take “quiet breaks” after noisy environments to let your ears rest.
Turn down the volume during long car rides or when listening to seasonal playlists.
These small habits help protect your hearing all year long.
5. Give the Gift of Accessibility
If you’re looking for meaningful holiday gifts, consider items that make communication easier and safer at home, such as:
Vibrating alarm clocks
Flashing doorbell systems
Amplified or captioned telephones
Personal listening devices
TV streaming accessories
Signalers for smoke or carbon monoxide alarms
Our Assistive Technology Center can help families choose items that fit their needs and provide demonstrations, so you can try before you buy them.
Remember: You’re Not Alone This Season
Whether you need hearing screenings, device adjustments, or assistive technology, HEAR Wisconsin is here for you. If the holidays bring to light challenges with your hearing, contact HEAR Wisconsin’s Audiology Clinic at 414-604-7219 to schedule a comprehensive hearing exam.
Our Doctors of Audiology are ready to help you stay connected to the people and traditions that matter most.