Chinese New Year is a time of joyous reunions, heartfelt conversations, and festive celebrations. Families gather to share meals, exchange blessings, and create lasting memories. However, for individuals with hearing difficulties, the lively atmosphere can sometimes feel overwhelming due to background noise, multiple conversations happening at once, and loud festivities like fireworks and music.
To ensure that everyone, regardless of their hearing ability, can fully participate in the celebrations, consider these simple yet meaningful adjustments to make your gathering more inclusive and enjoyable.
Festive gatherings often come with an abundance of noise—from background music and clinking dishes to multiple people talking at once. While this adds to the lively spirit, it can also make it difficult for those with hearing loss to follow conversations.
To create a more comfortable environment:
Designate a quieter area where family members can engage in meaningful conversations without distractions.
If possible, arrange seating in a way that allows better face-to-face interactions, making lip-reading easier.
Encourage one-on-one or small group discussions instead of large, overlapping conversations.
Music and fireworks are essential parts of Chinese New Year celebrations, but for those who are sensitive to loud sounds, they can be overwhelming.
Keep the volume of background music at a level where it enhances the atmosphere but does not overpower conversations.
If fireworks are part of your celebration, enjoy them in an open space to reduce the impact of the noise indoors.
Consider using quieter firework alternatives, such as sparklers or visual light displays, to maintain the festive mood without excessive noise.
For those who wear hearing aids or other assistive devices, celebrations can be more enjoyable with a few adjustments:
Ensure hearing aids are fully charged or have fresh batteries before gatherings.
Position yourself in well-lit areas to help with visual cues like facial expressions and lip movements.
If you notice a loved one struggling to hear, speak clearly and at a natural pace, without shouting.
Not all festive activities need to revolve around noise. Consider incorporating games or traditions that allow everyone to participate comfortably:
Board games or storytelling sessions provide a great way to bond without excessive background noise.
Video calls with relatives who can’t attend can be enhanced with captions to ensure everyone follows the conversation.
Writing down well-wishes in red packets or festive cards allows those with hearing difficulties to engage fully in sharing blessings.
Above all, fostering an inclusive Chinese New Year is about showing kindness and patience. If a loved one asks you to repeat something, take the time to do so without frustration. Small gestures like facing them while speaking, reducing background noise, and using clear communication can make a significant impact.
By making these thoughtful adjustments, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where every family member, regardless of their hearing ability, can fully enjoy the reunion. Let’s celebrate a Chinese New Year filled with love, laughter, and meaningful connections.
Wishing everyone a prosperous and joyful Chinese New Year! May the new year bring happiness, good health, and beautiful sounds of togetherness to all.
Written by: Kausellya, Audiologist at 20dB Digisound