Halloween, Hearing, Parties… Are These All Scary Things?

Crackling footsteps in the leaves. Eerie lights.

Sounds a lot like Halloween! Everyone knows this time of year is meant to be spooky, but Halloween accompanied by hearing loss can be even more frightening — especially in the dark. Hearing loss shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying good fun on Halloween night! Whether you’re trick-or-treating with family, attending a Halloween party or enjoying the game from the sidelines, here are five tips to make the most of your wicked celebrations:

Check your hearing aids. Before you leave the house, be sure to inspect your hearing aids to ensure they are functioning properly. Think: Are my batteries fully charged? Do I have extra batteries just in case? Nothing puts a strain on the horrifically fun festivities of Halloween night like suddenly being unable to hear those around you! Being prepared will help you avoid any mishaps or communication issues in the dark.

Keep your hearing aids secure. You can still dress up like a zombie, goblin, witches, or other creepy character for Halloween, but be sure your makeup, accessories or masks do not interfere with your hearing aids. Debris from face paint, glitter or hairspray can easily cause your microphones to malfunction. And masks can sometimes dislodge your hearing aids. Be sure to put on any face paint or makeup before putting on your hearing instruments and ensure your masks or accessories don’t obstruct the security of their positioning or functioning. If wearing a mask, you may want to consider Ear Gear to protect from debris and secure your hearing instruments while enjoying your festivities.

Take a flashlight. Living with hearing loss means you’re more than likely adapted other senses to help you communicate. From lip reading to hand gestures, communication comes with more than just simply hearing sounds. But without the proper lighting, it can be hard to use these resources for communication. Bringing a flashlight not only allows you to see where you’re going, but it can be useful when you need a light on lips and hands.

Travel in groups. With or without hearing loss, it’s important to be with other people to stay safe! It will also help to be around people who understand your hearing loss needs to avoid feeling any unnecessary discomfort during your festivities. Having a plan of action for the evening — including meeting places, check-in spots and return times will help you have a safe and happy Halloween.

Give yourself sound space. All the parties, haunted houses and trick-or-treating can get stressful – and loud. Some hearing conditions, like Tinnitus (or ringing in the ears, can worsen under high stress levels. And if you’re a guest at a party, music (usually at around 100 decibels) can be harmful to your hearing. Make sure you have a space where you can de-stress, re-group and give your ears a break from the events.

Halloween is just around the corner, so be sure to check and test your hearing before the monstrous celebrations. This exciting time is meant to be enjoyed by everyone, and hearing loss should never stop you from living life to its fullest. Being extra mindful of your hearing needs will ensure you can make the most of your Halloween. But, the most important tip to remember is this: Enjoy your night and the spooky fun that comes with it!