Sleigh bells ring, are you hearing?

Can you hear the voices singing?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but for many of us Christmas brings its own challenges when it comes to hearing. While Christmas may be a little different this year, it’s worth thinking about how to have a great time regardless of hearing loss.

What makes Christmas tricky for hearing?

• Christmas is noisy: whether the carollers, the music or just your rowdy family, this can be a real challenge for hearing aid wearers
• Unfamiliar voices: catching up with those we haven’t seen in a while can be tough when we’re not accustomed to their voice
• Christmas dinner: trying to hear someone from the other end of the table can make us feel as though we’re missing out

How can we make sure we don’t miss anything?

• Preparation! Think about who you will be seeing over the festive period and list the issues you might face; this could be a particular speaker you struggle with, noisy children being present or attending a concert
• Lip-reading: this is potentially something you already do but don’t forget how useful this can be. If you’ve not had to do it in a while, it might be worth practicing a little in advance.
• The dinner table: who can you sit with that will be a help not a hindrance to your hearing? Is there someone who can be your hearing buddy if you do start to struggle?

What about hearing-aid specific advice?

Your hearing aids are a big part of everyday life but at busy times like Christmas, they are absolutely essential. My advice when it comes to your hearing aids is:

• Wear them! It sounds obvious but now is not the time to struggle on. If you are not getting on with them, they may need resetting so get this planned ahead of time.
• Look after them! Cold weather and increased humidity indoors can wreak havoc with your aids so make sure you are keeping them clean and dry.
• Consider additional accessories; there is some fantastic technology available to help with group situations, the TV etc that work with your existing aids. Again, if you would like to try some new technology, get this arranged in advance so you have plenty of time to get used to your new kit.
• Add them to your packing list! If you do manage to get away this Christmas, don’t forget any extras you may need; this includes, batteries or charging cases, wax guards, cleaning kits etc.

One last thing!

One last thing to mention before I sign off for 2020, I have received a Corporate Livewire Prestige Award! These awards celebrate small and medium-sized businesses that have thrived in the last 12 months. There is a particular focus on providing a personal approach and maintaining high-quality levels of service and experience, so I am thrilled to be a recipient this year.

Thank you

Thank you to all of my patients who have visited my clinics this year. It is an absolute pleasure to look after you all and I look forward to seeing you in 2021!

With warm and festive wishes,

Peter