Festive Feedback
Every time I hug someone to wish them a Merry Christmas, my hearing aids make an embarrassing squealing noise as our heads meet. Is there any way to prevent this?
The only way to prevent it is to thrust both arms rigidly out in front of you as the person approaches for a hug, and shout “Get off me! I’m wearing hearing aids!” This approach does have its limitations, however. At best you will be considered anti-social and, at worst, positively frightening. No, it is far better to accept the situation with humour. At the first signs of feedback during a festive embrace, pull away firmly and shout “Was that your hearing aids, HAHAHA!”
Other people always like to say that as a joke whenever there’s a funny noise, so it’s nice to have an opportunity to turn the tables.
Lipreading blackout
My sister likes to have drinks and nibbles by the light of the log fire at Christmas, but I struggle to make out what people are saying in darkened rooms. I feel like such a party pooper when I ask for a light to be switched on. Have you any suggestions?
Carry some ball bearings with you in your handbag. Slip a few into the salted cashews when nobody’s looking, and those lights will go on without you even having to ask.
Pain in the ears
Over the festive period, my hearing aids frequently make me want to kill shrieking children and smash up their noisy electronic toys…is this normal?
Yes.
Telly Trouble
My family like to have the telly on in the background when we’re sitting around talking, but I find it hard to concentrate on what’s being said. When I ask if they can turn it off, someone always says “But I thought your said your hearing wasn’t that good…it’s not as if the telly’s that loud.”
How can I make them understand?
Don’t bother. Just ask for the subtitles to be turned on, and watch that telly being switched off immediately. People with normal hearing can’t seem to tolerate a telly with the subtitles on.
Auntie Mo will be back some time next year. You can find more of her unique problem solving solutions here
The Cookie Bite Chronicles 
From one Auntie Mo to another (am Morag). Nearly chuckled myself to death last night reading your column. As a cookie biter since diagnosis 2000 cannot relay the relief it brings me to read the Chronicles Brilliant.
Hi Morag, delighted you enjoyed Auntie Mo’s words of wisdom, I get great relief writing stuff, so it’s always a treat to hear when people enjoy it 🙂