Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to reflect on all the things we generally take for granted throughout the year.
And that includes our ability to hear.
While sight, smell, and taste are at the forefront of our mind during the holiday season, hearing commonly takes a back seat—that is, until we begin paying better attention.
To thoroughly enjoy the holiday season requires being fully present, and that includes being mindful of all the sounds that frequently escape our full attention.
Below are five sounds to be mindful of and thankful for this Thanksgiving.
- The sound of a busy kitchen – You can’t match the aroma of roasting turkey filling the house, but have you ever paused to indulge in the sounds of a lively kitchen with food popping and sizzling and timers going off? With a house packed with hungry guests, you’re specifically not going to want to miss those timers.
- Conversations around the dining table – The holiday season is a chance to get everyone together for stimulating conversation. You won’t want to miss out on any big news or amusing stories from friends and family you rarely get to see. And as for those you’d rather not hear from, you’ll just have to choose your seat at the table carefully.
- Thanksgiving day football – To the disapproval of many non-football fans, the NFL has somehow included itself into the holiday traditions. But for the sports fans in the family, the sounds of the crowd, the big hits, and the eruption after a touchdown are tough to match in intensity.
- Thanksgiving day parades – The sound of marching bands and cheering crowds in the background is a staple of Thanksgiving day. You’ll want to make sure you catch all of the music and festivities.
- Holiday movies – Has anyone ever not eaten too much at Thanksgiving dinner? Following the heavy tryptophan-filled meal and lots of socializing, it’s nice to sit back, relax, and watch your favorite movies.
All of these sounds add to the full Thanksgiving experience, and the more attentive we are of them, the more we can enjoy the day. It’s part of remaining fully present and immersing yourself in the moment.
Regrettably, hearing loss can weaken or eliminate several of these sounds. Missing out on worthwhile discussions, or not being able to hear the conversation in movies, creates stress and anxiety that should have no part in the holiday celebrations.
That’s why we’re encouraging people with hearing loss to give some thought to the use of hearing aids in advance of the holiday season. Hearing aids can amplify all five of the preceding sounds, bringing them into sharp focus, possibly for the first time in many years.
It’s time to take back your holiday season—schedule your hearing test today!