Fourth of July and Fireworks

For some families,celebrating the Fourth of July and seeing fireworks is tradition. With it,comes  parties, food, parades,red/white/blue decor and loud music. For some families, they plan for this day for months or even a year ahead. It is the highlight of the summer... but not for everyone. 

For people with hearing loss, these events can be stressful, isolating, loud and boring. Imagine if you use sign language, and your family knows a little,but the rest of the family's friends and relatives don't. Spending an entire day or even weekend can be isolating and exhausting, trying to keep up with all the activities and conversation.  Imagine using hearing aids or cochlear implants-they make sounds clearer,but also amplify sounds. Some hearing  families are sensitive to these sounds... imagine what the BOOMS must sound like when you have  these noises amplified!! Being outside, with the sounds of nature and other campers, other firework watchers, neighbors, etc also can lend to more extraneous background noise. Hearing people know how to tune out the not important noise and focus on the important sounds. However, this is harder sometimes for those who have hearing loss. 

There are individuals who have hearing loss who have no issue at all with any of the above -in fact they crave large groups and loud noises . Just a gentle reminder to  communicate with the person in your life who has hearing loss and ASK what accomodations or modifications would be helpful. Even if you have young children, you can ask simple questions  regarding noise level, if they want a quiet space, etc.  As always, reach out with questions and enjoy the festivities! Accomodations are not a burden-they allow us all to enjoy!!