Holiday parties are fun, festive and loud. Conversations fly back and forth, and often there’s loud music playing. This energy is why we love attending holiday parties, but it can make it difficult to hear the people you’re talking to, and it could cause lasting damage to your hearing.
Communication Strategies for Loud Settings
Holding a conversation in a loud room with loud music can be difficult. It’s critical to use communication techniques that will maximize your ability to hear and comprehend, as well as be comfortable asking for a repeat when necessary.
Active listening techniques, such as eye contact, maintaining an “open” body posture, not interrupting or arguing, asking for clarity and summarizing what you heard, will make for a fulfilling conversation, even in noise. All of these techniques subconsciously make you a more receptive listener and signal to the speaker that they have your full attention.
Furthermore, in loud settings, be confident enough to ask for repeats. Trying to bluff and pretend that you heard what someone said when you didn’t sets you both up for failure. When you need a repeat, ask and be specific: “Sorry, where did you go for vacation?” or “What day was that?” Ask for the specific information that you missed, rather than a repeat of the entire sentence or anecdote. This also signals to the speaker that you’re listening, and cuts down on the effort spent rehashing.
How Loud Is Too Loud?
You probably are aware that hearing loss can occur due to exposure to loud noise. This is known as noise-induced hearing loss, and it is the second most common cause of hearing loss, affecting approximately 40 million people in the U.S. You might associate noise-induced hearing loss with a single instance of a very loud noise, such as an explosion. However, prolonged exposure to high (but not deafening) volumes can also take a toll.
Sounds at or above 85 decibels have the potential to cause permanent hearing damage. The higher the decibels, the less time it takes for exposure to cause damage. A loud party venue, depending on the acoustics, can reach levels of 80 to 110 decibels. Exposure to 100 decibels for thirty minutes or more can harm your hearing.
How to Prevent Hearing Damage
First, we recommend downloading a sound-measuring app on your phone to monitor sound levels in the venue. If it surpasses 85 decibels, consider taking some measures to protect your hearing. Take some time away from the loud noise to give your ears a break, even if it’s just for five minutes. You can use this break to step outside, use the bathroom or get a drink in a quieter section of the venue. This won’t prevent all hearing damage, but it can lessen the impact. Additionally, throughout your time there, stand away from speakers to avoid the most direct blasts of loud volume.
If you know ahead of time that the venue will be noisy, you might consider bringing protective measures, such as earplugs. Foam earplugs are inexpensive and widely available, and they can significantly reduce sound levels.
If you notice changes in your hearing after attending a loud party—such as muffled hearing or tinnitus—it’s a good idea to get your hearing tested. Call Bangor Audiology to set an appointment and determine what the extent of the damage is, if any.