Communicate Comfortably at Family Gatherings

How to Communicate Comfortably at Family Gatherings

End-of-year celebrations have a special way of bringing people together. From long lunches with the family to relaxed moments with friends around the BBQ or dinner table, these conversations often set the scene for connection. For those experiencing hearing loss, these moments can also be challenging, especially when many conversations are taking place at once. The good news is that a few simple strategies can help you feel more comfortable in these social settings, so you can enjoy the occasion with confidence.

Choose A Comfortable Spot

Where you position yourself at family gatherings can make a meaningful difference to how clearly you follow conversations. Sitting where you have a clear view of people’s faces can help you pick up visual cues like lip-reading or facial expressions so you can stay engaged.¹ Natural light or indoor lighting can also make it easier to pick up these facial expressions. 

It can also be helpful to sit away from speakers, kitchen noise, or large groups gathering near doorways. These high-traffic areas generate more background noise, which can make it harder to follow a conversation.² These small adjustments can create a more relaxed listening environment so you stay connected with friends and family.

Start With One-On-One Conversations

Beginning the day with one-on-one chats may help you ease into the gathering or social event. It gives you the space to settle in, focus on a single voice, and enjoy the moment before joining group conversations.³ It also encourages others to slow their pace and speak more directly with you. This can help to build confidence and set you up for a more comfortable experience.

Let Loved Ones Know What Helps You

Most people want to communicate well but may not know how best to support you. A simple cue like, “I hear more clearly when you face me” can make a big difference.³ You could also let family or friends know if a certain side of the table works better for you. These gentle prompts may help everyone stay connected and feel included.

Take Breaks When You Need Them

If you have hearing loss, social gatherings can demand more mental effort than you expect. This can be felt when trying to keep track of overlapping conversations, shifting voices, and ambient noises that prove distracting. Research shows that listening under these conditions can significantly increase listening effort, which contributes to what’s often called listening fatigue.⁴ 

Stepping outside for fresh air or taking a quiet moment in another room may help you recharge. These breaks can also make it easier to rejoin conversations with renewed focus.⁵

Use Technology That Supports You

Hearing aids can offer helpful support during busy family events and social gatherings. Modern hearing aids include a range of features designed to help you follow conversations, even in environments with background noise.⁶ 

Many devices include: 

• Speech enhancement: This can help your hearing aids focus on voices, making it easier to follow conversations around the table. 
• Directional microphones: These help your hearing aids pick up sounds from the people in front of you while reducing noise from behind or around the room. 
• Background noise management: Some hearing aids can soften environmental sounds, which may make group discussions feel more comfortable. 
• Rechargeable options: Fully charged hearing aids can give you peace of mind throughout long lunches and gatherings. 
• Automatic environment adjustments: Many modern hearing aids can detect changes in your surroundings and adjust their settings to support you. 
• Bluetooth connectivity: This can help when you’re watching videos with family or taking calls from relatives. 

If you’re unsure which features your hearing aids have or how to get the most from them at events, reach out to your hearing care professional for guidance. They can also help you fine-tune your settings to feel more confident in social situations. 

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References:

1. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology (24 January 2025), Lipreading as a communication strategy to enhance speech recognition in individuals with hearing impairment: a scoping review, Taylor & Francis Online, accessed 24 November 2025. 
2. Purdue University (10 September 2012), Study: Hearing impaired ears hear differently in noisy environments, Purdue University, accessed 24 November 2025. 
3. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (5 May 2023), Tips for communicating when you have hearing loss, www.health.gov.au, accessed 24 November 2025. 
4. International Journal of Audiology (4 January 2021), Can listening-related fatigue influence well-being? Examining associations between hearing loss, fatigue, activity levels and well-being, National Library of Medicine, accessed 24 November 2025. 
5. JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery (1 August 2023), Hearing Loss and Fatigue in Middle-Aged and Older Adults, National Library of Medicine, accessed 24 November 2025. 
6. Ear Hear (September 2013), The effects of hearing aid use on listening effort and mental fatigue associated with sustained speech processing demands, National Library of Medicine, accessed 24 November 2025.