Holiday Hearing Tips That Help Everyone Stay Included

This holiday season, simple changes at home can help loved ones with hearing loss stay part of every story, laugh and conversation.

The holidays come with their own soundtrack – chairs scraping back from the table, the oven door swinging open, boisterous laughing from the next room and kids chattering excitedly, if a little too loudly, around the tree.

For many people with hearing loss, that familiar mix of sound can make it hard to follow the conversations they value most. A few thoughtful changes can shift the whole experience into one that’s more enjoyable for everyone.

“It’s not just whether you can hear the sounds around you,” says Kim Galick, owner and registered hearing instrument specialist at Ears Hearing Clinic in Langley. “It’s whether you can follow the conversations that matter and feel part of the holidays instead of just watching from the sidelines.”

To help make the season bright for everyone, start with a quick check-in before the gathering.

Ask what helps – brighter lighting, a quieter seat at the table, or simply letting them know when the group is about to make a toast or share a story. That small conversation signals that their comfort isn’t an afterthought.

Once everyone arrives, pay attention to the room itself.

Background sounds that most people don’t think about – music turned up too high, the TV murmuring in the corner, a busy kitchen behind an open doorway – can overwhelm someone trying to listen. Softening those layers of noise and choosing a table away from high-traffic spots makes speech far easier to follow.

Galick often recommends seating someone with hearing challenges with their back to a wall rather than in the centre of the room, where sound arrives from every direction. Good lighting matters too; warm, bright light makes reading facial expressions and lip movements more natural.

Conversation habits play a big role as well.

Facing the person directly, speaking at a steady pace and pausing briefly to get their attention can do far more than raising your volume. If something isn’t heard the first time, repeating or rephrasing without fuss helps keep the flow comfortable.

“You don’t need to shout,” Kim says. “You just need clarity and a bit of patience.”

For hearing aid users, simple preparation can prevent frustration later. A quick cleaning, a full charge or addressing any recent issues before the holidays can make a noticeable difference.

Many people don’t realize their devices can pair with remote microphones or accessories designed to help in noisy rooms. Even a small table microphone that sends voices directly to the hearing aids can make a lively dinner feel manageable instead of overwhelming.

And when the evening gets busy, remember that breaks are allowed. A few minutes in a quieter room can help someone reset and rejoin the group feeling refreshed.

What matters most isn’t the perfect table setting or the timing of the meal – it’s making sure loved ones feel included in the moments with friends and family.

When we make small, thoughtful adjustments, we create spaces where everyone can follow the laughter, stay part of the stories and feel connected through the holiday season.

For a free hearing consultation, call Kim Galick at Ears Hearing Clinic at 604-427-2828 or email info@earslangley.com.

Visit Ears Hearing at Unit C 20568 56 Ave. in Langley, online at earslangley.com, and follow them on Facebook.