[Ohio-talk] Fw: Thanksgiving and Hearing Loss

[Dr. Smith]

fyi

jw

Dr. J. Webster Smith
President National Federation of the Blind of Ohio
P.O.BOX 458 Athens, Ohio, 45701-0458
Phone Number - 740-592-6326 
"Changing What it Means to be Blind"
----- Original Message ----- 
From: COHEAR at aol.com 
To: COHEAR at aol.com 
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 2:24 AM
Subject: Thanksgiving and Hearing Loss


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and these tips will help in a noisy environment at family dinners. Compiled by Arlene Romoff
Co-Coordinator, Hearing Loss Association Bergen County Chapter

Hermine Willey
Past-State Coordinator HLAA

1 - Realize that large social groups, especially around a large dining room
table, are one of the most difficult environments for a person with a hearing
loss. So be kind to yourself, and focus on the positive things that you can
do, and not on the negatives of what you have difficulty doing. Think "the
glass is half full," not half-empty.

2 - It's easier to talk with people one-on-one in a quiet environment than
in a noisy living room. So:
a - Find a favorite friend or relative, and move the conversation into a
quiet room, or a quieter corner. Or play a game or read a story to a child,
if that's an option.
b - Help out in the kitchen where there are usually less people
gathered. And if you help with some preparations, you'll be doing something
besides
trying to hear.

3 - When sitting down to dinner, make sure you choose a seat that is best
for you! Here are some SEATING TIPS:
a - If you have a "better side," seat yourself so that most people are
on that side.
b - Seat yourself next to a person you usually have the least
difficulty hearing or lipreading (avoid those folks with bushy mustaches and
beards!)
AND/OR
c - Seat yourself next to someone who usually has the patience to clue
you in on what the conversation is about, or the punch lines you'll miss.
d - Try not to seat yourself facing a window because the glare could
make it difficult to see people's faces.
e - Ask your host to turn off any background music during dinner. And if
a football game is blaring from a tv, turn it off OR if that's not an
option, set it on MUTE.
f - Remember to be assertive about your needs! Pleasant and polite, but
assertive!

4- Conversation tips:
a - It's inevitable that you will not be able to hear the conversation
with many people talking and laughing at once. Content yourself with speaking
with the people on either side of you.
b - If you start a conversation, then you'll know what the topic is, so
it will be easier to follow.
c - If you miss something, try to ask only for the part you missed,
instead of just saying "what?"
d - Expect that there will be jokes that you will not hear, so you will
find yourself sitting at a table where everyone is laughing except you. Stay
calm - you have a few options:
i. ask the person next to you to tell you what was so funny
ii. ask the person next to you to remember what was so funny so they
can tell you later.
iii. Say "excuse me" to everyone at the table, and ask for the joke
to be repeated so you can get it too. Remember that if you do this with a
pleasant attitude, then people will usually want to help you out.


5- After Dinner Strategies:
a - Volunteer to help out in the kitchen to get yourself away from that
dining table with all the conversations and jokes you're having trouble
following.
b - DO NOT offer to wash the dishes! This will put your back to
everyone in the kitchen and you won't be able to lipread. Offer to dry the
dishes
or put food away. Or just "keep everyone company."
c - Offer to wash the dishes if you want to take time out from trying to
hear everyone, and you still want to feel useful.

6 - To Drink or not to Drink?
Some people's lipreading skills tend to get worse when they drink. Some
people's lipreading skills tend to get better when they drink because they're
more relaxed. And, of course, there are pros and cons of drinking that impact
on mood. Be aware of what works best FOR YOU. And remember, if you do drink,
do so responsibly and NEVER drink and drive.

7- Assistive Listening Devices
There are assistive listening devices, such as personal amplifiers and
auxiliary microphones, that can help you hear in noisy environments. These
can work either in conjunction with your hearing aid or cochlear implant, or
directly into your ears. They have been particularly helpful for older
relatives who are left out of the loop in large family gatherings. If you need
more
information about these devices, please ask us!

8 - The above tips are also helpful at Christmas, Easter, Passover and other
family gatherings!

Best wishes for a bountiful Thanksgiving!