Hearing Loss and the Holidays

by Lindsay B. Robinson, HIA Program Manager

December 24, 2025

The holidays are meant to be joyful and a time for connection, making memories, and enjoying shared traditions. But for some people with hearing loss, festive gatherings may bring additional considerations or anxiety: noisy rooms, overlapping conversations, and the feeling of missing out on moments others take for granted. With a little awareness and intention, the holidays can be more enjoyable and inclusive for everyone at the table.

Navigating the Holidays With Hearing Loss

If you’re living with hearing loss, you’re not alone and it’s possible to find merriment in each moment. Here are some tips to remain fully engaged:

• Choose your seat wisely. Center yourself in the group or at the table where you can see as many faces as possible. Good lighting and clear sightlines make lipreading and visual cues easier, especially during lively group conversations.


• Take listening breaks. Holiday gatherings can be long, noisy, and sometimes tiresome. It’s okay to step away for a few minutes to give your ears and brain a rest. A quieter moment can allow you to regain energy and remain alert.


• Use the technology available to you. Hearing aids and assistive listening devices are designed to help in complex listening environments. Before attending any event, make sure devices are clean, fully charged, and adjustments can be easily made either on the devices or on your smartphone for quick enhancement of speech. Learn more about hearing aid features and accessories that may assist you here.


• Advocate for yourself. Let hosts or loved ones know what helps you hear best. Whether it’s asking people to speak one at a time or to face you when talking, small adjustments can make a big difference and most people will happily accommodate.

How to Support Loved Ones With Hearing Loss

Creating an inclusive holiday environment doesn’t require major changes, just thoughtful ones, such as:

• Reduce background noise when possible. Turning down music during conversation-heavy moments or moving to a quieter space can dramatically improve communication for all. Even small reductions in noise can help.


• Face the person and speak clearly. You don’t need to shout. Just speak at a natural pace, enunciate clearly, and keep your hands away from your face. Facial expressions and visual cues matter.


• Include, don’t assume. Avoid finishing sentences or assuming someone didn’t understand. If something needs repeating, rephrase rather than repeat the same words more loudly.


• Be patient and flexible. Communication takes effort on both sides. Taking someone to a quieter area to converse can make a big difference. A little patience goes a long way toward making everyone feel valued and included.

Hearing loss doesn’t diminish the desire to connect; it simply changes how connection happens. When people with hearing loss feel supported and understood, holiday gatherings become more meaningful, less draining, and far more joyful.

This season, inclusion is one of the greatest gifts we can give. By creating environments where everyone can participate, share stories, and feel heard, we ensure the holidays truly live up to their purpose: bringing people together. If you want to ensure you’re as connected as possible with a treatment that suits your unique hearing needs, schedule a consultation with a licensed hearing care professional.