I love summer barbecue parties — Memorial Day Weekend, the Fourth of July, or just a regular summer weekend. It is fun to gather friends and family to enjoy the summer weather, each other’s company, and the casual fare. Parties can be a challenge for people with hearing loss, but barbecues are some of the easiest to navigate. Barbecues are typically outside so the noise doesn’t bounce around the room the way it can at indoor events. Being outdoors also often creates a variety of socializing spots — some might even be relatively quiet! So head to a barbecue this weekend — or host one of your own.
10 Tips for Enjoying a Barbecue With Hearing Loss
1. Position yourself in a good spot: Usually, at a BBQ, 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 lipread.
2. Limit background noise: If I am hosting, I always 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. Be sure to wear hearing protection if there will be fireworks. You could bring extra earplugs so everyone will have them.
3. Converse with a variety of small groups: At a large seated dinner, it can be hard to follow the conversation, but at a BBQ, the seating is usually less formal. Take advantage of the opportunity to mingle with various small groups of people.
4. Wear your hearing aids: Experiment with different settings to find which is best for being outdoors. You can practice at home if you don’t want to spend time experimenting at the event. Find a setting that cuts wind noise if it will be a windy day.
5. Try other technologies: There are many new technologies now available that can help you hear in a group setting including personal FM systems, Google's Live Transcribe captioning app, or other one to one communication devices. Some of my friends swear by these.
6. Have reasonable expectations: You probably won’t hear everything that everyone says, but that is ok. If one group is harder to hear, find another to join. Mobility and mingling is the norm at a barbecue.
7. Take a break: Don’t be shy about taking a break from the action for a few minutes to give your ears and brain a rest. Head to the restroom, or find a quiet spot inside to sit for a few minutes. It really helps me to clear my head and build up some energy for another round of socializing.
8. Don’t fake it: 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 for both sides.
9. Give visual clues to indicate if you are having trouble hearing: Cup your ear with your hand to indicate to the speaker to speak louder without interrupting the flow of the conversation. I have seen this in action and it is very effective.
10. Bring your sense of humor: Try to laugh when hearing misfires occur. Be grateful for the wonderful friends and family around you. You may not hear every word they say, but you can partake in all of the good feelings nonetheless. Enjoy the feel of the sun or the breeze on your skin. Savor the warm weather — it will be gone in a flash.
Copyright: Shari Eberts/LivingWithHearingLoss.com. Reprinted with permission.
