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Holidays are often a difficult time for people with hearing loss,
especially young children who have not yet learned or become proficient at
coping skills. Large gatherings, music and the rapid pace of activities
all contribute to isolating those who have difficulty hearing. With
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s all coming up
soon it is important to take steps to ensure your child isn’t left out of
the fun and excitement. Below are some simple ways to encourage your
child’s participation and help him enjoy this special time of year.
Include Your Child in the Planning
Everyone likes to feel important. If your child is old enough, let him
help you make the guest list, plan the menu, bake some holiday foods,
decorate the house, go gift shopping, etc. Including your child in the
holiday planning will bolster his self-esteem as well as create a
wonderful, family tradition.
Arrange Strategic Seating Assignments
Make table arrangements with your child in mind. If you’re not sure where
to seat your child in the dining room, experiment beforehand. Can you use
round tables instead of rectangular ones so your child can see everyone’s
faces? Is there a seat away from the bustling kitchen and far from any
music speakers that would be best? Don’t seat your child next to or right
near boisterous party participants. Is there a responsible family member
or friend you can seat your child next to who is willing to repeat jokes
and toasts your child may miss? Make sure this person is someone your
child easily understands. People with accents, mumblers, soft talkers and
guests who talk with food in their mouths are not ideal candidates.
Consider Using an FM Listening Device
If your child uses an FM listening device at school or at home, consider
using it during the holidays. Make sure it is charged and have it handy so
that you can quickly give the microphone to anyone making a speech or
toast. Placing the microphone in the center of the table can help your
child pick up more table conversation as well. If your child is resistant
to having you do this, you can experiment before guests arrive and
discreetly place the microphone in the centerpiece arrangement.
Keep the Music Down
Your child isn’t the only one who will have difficulty hearing with music
in the background. Many people have mild (and sometimes undetected)
hearing loss that doesn’t affect them until there is music or a lot of
chatter in the background. Consider foregoing the holiday music or keep it
at a very soft volume so that all your guests can enjoy themselves.
Develop a Signal
In a large group, your child may not want to attract attention by asking
for repeats or verbally letting you know they feel left out. Consider
developing a special signal that only you, your spouse and your child
know. When your child makes the signal you’ll be aware that he missed what
was said or that he would like to talk to you privately, whatever you have
arranged for the signal to mean. This allows your child to comfortably
notify you that he is having difficulty. You’ll be able to remedy the
problem immediately, rather than realizing it too late after the party is
over.
With proper planning, your deaf or hard of hearing child can truly
experience the joy holidays bring. Help him to be included by following
these simple tips. Taking steps to help your child hear and understand as
much as possible during the noisy festivities will also enable you to
relax and more fully enjoy the holidays.
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Paula Rosenthal, J.D. is married and has three children. She,
her husband and daughter are all hearing impaired. Her sons have normal
hearing. A law school graduate, Paula is the publisher of
http://www.HearingExchange.com,
an online community for people with hearing loss, parents of deaf and hard
of hearing children and professionals. She is also a writer and speaker on
hearing loss and related issues. To contact her, send an email to
info@hearingexchange.com. |
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