Gatherings & Living with Hearing Loss

Planning Social Gatherings Inclusive of People Living with Hearing Loss

Social interaction is an integral part of a healthy and fulfilling life. Many of our most enjoyable moments happen when we are sharing time with others. When planning an event, awareness that friends and loved ones may be experiencing age-related hearing loss helps to promote a positive experience for everyone in attendance. Taking the time to consider and plan for people who are living with hearing loss or atypical hearing can create a social gathering that is inclusive for all guests. Keep these tips in mind to create an environment for successful and enriching interaction:

If you are hosting:

• Discuss: If you are aware that a specific guest is living with hearing loss, let them know that their presence is important to you and ask them for their input.
• Quiet area: An advantage to the home setting is the ability to utilize more than one space. Provide a quieter room where conversation can take place without background noise. This area can also be useful for guests who would like to have a private conversation or would benefit from taking a quiet, calming break.
• Venue: At a restaurant or other public location, speak with the manager or event planner ahead of time about how to create the best environment.
• Background music or television: Keep the volume for background music low or only play music intermittently. Mute or turn down the volume on the television and utilize the closed caption option.
• Lighting: Provide enough lighting so that guests can clearly see the person they are speaking with. Visual cues and lip reading play an important role in communicating, particularly in a noisy or crowded area.
• Table arrangement: Use lower profile centerpieces so guests can have a clear view of one another. For a larger crowd, multiple smaller tables may work best to comfortably promote discussion.
• Thoughtful seating: Consider the preferred seat location for guests with hearing loss. Reserving the spot by using name tags or a name labeled gift at each place setting can help when assigning seats. Placing a guest with their back to the wall and away from noisier areas can be helpful. Choose a location with a clear line of sight to the other guests. Being seated next to or across from someone who is an ally can be a source of support.
• Communication: Position yourself to directly face guests when talking. Speak clearly and avoid whispering. If asked to repeat, it may be helpful to rephrase using other words as certain consonants and vowels have varying degrees of audibility. Provide a microphone for speakers or toasts.
• Considerations: Regarding setting and décor, fabric is useful in absorbing echoes. Hold off on doing dishes to eliminate excessive clattering or move guests away from the kitchen area. Consider potential distractions such as barking dogs or traffic noise and create a plan to best accommodate.

If you are living with hearing loss:

• Plan: Talk to the host or call the manager of the venue before the event to plan for the best experience.
• Set-up: Prepare hearing aids or other assistive devices by cleaning, charging, and packing extra batteries or cords.
• Transportation: Travel to and from the event with someone you’d enjoy spending time with. Arriving and leaving with a trusted ally can be helpful and provides more time for communication and fellowship.
• Seating: Use a coat or other object to reserve a spot that will work best for you. Sitting with your back to the wall and away from the bustling kitchen or other noisier area may be of benefit.
• Environment: When an area becomes louder, changing location may be helpful. Consider having 1:1 conversation in quiet areas, take a walk, or a break outside with one or a few people.
• Convey: Let others know if they aren’t being heard. For instance, cupping an ear with your hand is a universal signal most people are aware of.
• Self-care: Know that your presence is important and valuable, but take breaks as needed. It can be exhausting to focus or strain to hear, so allow yourself any needed reprieve.
• Follow-up: Let your provider or audiologist know of changes. An updated screening, treatment, or adaptation to assistive devices may be needed.

Social connection enriches our lives and is important for both our physical and mental health. Discussing the impact of hearing loss with others helps to increase awareness and promotes inclusivity. Some basic considerations can create the optimal environment for a social gather that is enriching, joyous, and memorable for years to come.