Hear your best this holiday season with some helpful tips from Cochlear Americas.

Prepare yourself. Make sure you’re hearing your best before you gather with family and friends. Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist to explore what hearing treatment options will work best for you or to fine-tune your current hearing device.

Plan ahead! Identify the best listening areas in a room, such as a quiet corner. If attending an event, take advantage of accessibility equipment offered. When sitting down for dinner, choose a seat that works best for your hearing, possibly away from background noise and against a wall.

Travel smart. If you currently use a hearing device, remember to bring extra batteries, chargers, remotes and accessories. You should not need to remove hearing devices for security checkpoints. Take advantage of visual alerts and hearing accessible accommodations. Pack any equipment you bring for your hearing device in carry-on luggage.

Educate your loved ones. It is important that your family and friends understand your hearing loss. They want you to take part in the conversation and have fun too! Share tips with your loved ones on how to best include those with hearing loss in the conversation including:

                Speaking at a slower rate and at a normal volume

                Getting your attention before they begin speaking

                Maintaining eye contact throughout a conversation to take advantage of visual cues