Thank you to our client’s daughter for contributing her thoughts to our latest blog for the festive season:
‘Will it be ready for Christmas?
“This is a question you hear a lot during the festive season as people get ready for Christmas, buying food, decorations and presents. You want to do the best you can to make sure everything is merry and bright and ready for your nearest and dearest to enjoy.
But this commonly asked question took on a whole new meaning for me this year on a visit to Lakeland Hearing with my 90 year old dad. The audiologist Vicky had taken time to chat with him about the constraints of his hearing – he is profoundly deaf – and the things that he would like to make better; she had carried out a very thorough examination of his ears; he had had his comprehensive diagnostic hearing test; he had chosen his hearing aid; and then came the question… “will it be ready for Christmas”.
It was clear to me, at this point, that dad’s hearing test and Vicky’s empathetic, patient and caring manner had highlighted many emotional aspects of hearing loss for my father: all the things he felt he had missed out over many years like conversations at family dinners, listening to his modern jazz, being able to hear in his art class properly or at a recent history talk; and fully joining in the Christmas celebrations. Apart from the odd ache and pain, there’s nothing holding him back other than his hearing, yet he had started to feel invisible and had given up trying to do the things he enjoys. It was a very poignant moment for me too.
But, for dad, there will be the best gift for Christmas of improved hearing, of increased independence, of conversation, fun and laughter – the gift of hearing – as his trial hearing aids will be ready in plenty of time before the big event. Lots for us all to look forward to.” By Jackie
For people living with hearing loss, the inability to fully participate in conversations and social interactions can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
The cacophony of Christmas music, the clatter of cutlery, and the general hubbub of family gatherings can make it difficult to follow conversations and understand what’s being said. This can lead to feelings of frustration, embarrassment, and withdrawal.
The pressure to attend parties, family gatherings, and other social events can be overwhelming for those who struggle to hear. Fear of missing out on important conversations or being misunderstood can lead many to avoid social situations altogether.
To mitigate the effects of hearing loss over the festive season, there are a few things that may help:
- Hearing aids and other assistive listening devices can significantly improve hearing and reduce the impact of background noise.
- Let your family and friends know how they can help. This could involve speaking clearly and slowly, facing you when they speak, and avoiding background noise.
Our friendly team of highly trained and experienced audiologists would welcome speaking to you about how they can support you with your hearing lost to help you live life to the fullest again.
For hearing aids trialled/purchased from December this year until the end of February 2025, we are offering a discount of 15% off the price of any hearing aids. Why not book in now for your comprehensive hearing assessment*. You can book online via our website or you can give Sarah, our Practice Manager, a call https://lakelandhearing.co.uk/
*The hearing assessment charge will be refunded against the cost of a new pair of hearing aids purchased from us, as well as the additional 15% discount offer above.