Tips to help you enjoy a picnic despite your hearing loss

We are finally beginning to experience some warm weather! I for one am so grateful. It's nice to be outside for a bit before the oppressive heat takes over. As we get outdoors for the family reunions, graduation parties, and more, here are nine tips to help you enjoy the festivities while living with hearing loss.

1.  Wear your hearing aids: This seems obvious but you wouldn't believe the number of times we hear that people went to special events only to forget their hearing aids. Whatever you need to do to get out the door with your hearing aids on, do that. Make a list. Tie a string around your finger. Ask someone to remind you. Whatever it takes. Your hearing aids are merely tools, but you'll do better with them than without. You wouldn't attempt to build a house with a hammer and nails. Don't try to socialize without your hearing aids. Experiment with a couple of different settings to find which is best for being outdoors. Most modern digital hearing aids can be configured with an Outdoor setting which is accessible through either an on-board push-button, remote control, or app. You can practice at home if you don’t want to spend time experimenting at the event. Check with your Audiologist if there is a setting that can cut down on wind noise if it will be a windy day.

2. Have reasonable expectations: Hearing aids are just that-an aid. An augmentative device that uses residual hearing to help the wearer hearing and understand better. Better. Not perfectly. Hopefully a picnic isn't your first stop after getting hearing aids and you've had time for your brain to adjust to new sounds and to learn to use the hearing aids to their full capacity. You probably won’t hear everything that everyone says, but that is ok and completely normal. Even normal hearing listeners don't hear everything all the time. 

3. Converse with a variety of small groups: Picnics offer a more casual seating experience typically. In contrast to a large seated dinner where it can sometimes be hard to follow the conversation, at a picnic, the seating is usually less formal. Seek out small group conversations in well-lit areas where you can see the speaker's face. Away from noises sources is also best-no bands, speakers, generators, or fans to interfere with the conversation. 

4. Be an active, engaged listener: We all get more of the conversation when we are actively listening and engaged with the person speaking. Make eye contact. Put down the phone (unless you're adjusting your hearing aids through an app!), and let the speaker know f you didn't catch what they said. If you are having trouble hearing, you can cup your ear with your hand to indicate to the speaker to speak louder without interrupting the flow of the conversation.

5. Don’t fake it: We've all done it. Even normal-hearing listeners who didn't quite hear what someone said. The nod-and-smile. It is very tempting to just nod along and pretend that you hear what others are saying or laugh just because others are laughing. But it can be dangerous, particularly if someone is asking you a question. Be brave and be honest with others if you are having trouble hearing. It will make your interactions more memorable on both sides.Additionally, people will respect and appreciate that you cared enough to get clarification of what they said. 

6. Position yourself in a good spot: Usually at a picnic, the seating is fairly casual, so join a group that is in a quiet and well-lit location. Sit so that your back is to the sun to avoid glare on people’s faces when trying to lip read.Don't hesitate to ask the people you're talking to if you can move away from noise and distractions. 

7. Limit background noise: If hosting, try to keep background music to a minimum. Other hosts may like to play music more loudly. When outdoors, music is typically less of an issue, but if it is, choose a spot away from the speakers or ask the host to lower the volume. I can bet you aren't the only one who will be grateful for the reduction in background noise and distractions. 

8. Take a break: Don’t hesitate to take a break away from the action for a few minutes to give your ears and brain a rest. Listening fatigue is real! Excuse yourself and head to the restroom, find a quiet place inside to sit for a bit, or even your car. If only for a few minutes, this short break can clear your head and allow you to focus on enjoying yourself once you return to the picnic. 

9. Be realistic: Yes. This is listed twice. But it's important enough to mention twice. Give yourself (and others!) grace when attempting to communicate with a hearing loss. Hearing aids are assistive devices, not miracle workers. If you have a little warning, it isn't a bad idea to schedule an appointment with your Audiologist to have a thorough clean and check on your devices before the event. And if you struggle at the event, don't give up. Communicate the difficulties you encountered and work with your Audiologist to find a solution to the issues you faced. There sometimes isn't a fix, but your Audiologist will strive to do all they can to give you the best chance at success that is possible.