Hearing loss leaves 75% feeling isolated this festive season
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- November 24, 2025
As the festive season approaches, a new survey of 1,000 people with hearing loss by Bayfields, the UK’s leading hearing and eye care provider, shines a light on the often hidden struggles of living with hearing difficulties. In the lead up to family gatherings and festive celebrations, many feel isolated, left out, and cut off from the laughter, conversation, and connection that make these moments so special. At a time when being close to loved ones matters most, countless people quietly face the frustration and loneliness of not being able to fully join in.
Why Christmas makes hearing loss harder
These challenges persist all year round but during the festive season, when conversations get louder and gatherings grow bigger, they often feel even more isolating. Hearing loss can make social interactions exhausting, preventing people from fully enjoying conversations and shared experiences. Nearly eight in ten(79%) struggle to hear in busy restaurants or pubs, 61% find group conversations challenging, and over half (51%) can’t hear clearly in public spaces. Family gatherings, at the heart of the festive season, are particularly difficult, with 42% avoiding social events altogether because of their hearing challenges.
The impact of hearing loss goes far beyond inconvenience – it takes an emotional and social toll. Three quarters of respondents (75%) say they feel isolated or left out in social situations, while 35% report that their relationships have been negatively affected. Almost eight in ten (79%) admit that hearing difficulties reduce their enjoyment of family gatherings, highlighting just how much the festive season can be overshadowed by these challenges.
Hearing difficulties aren’t just a festive season challenge – they affect everyday life too. 87% say hearing loss interferes with routine activities such as watching TV, using the phone, shopping, or socialising. A significant nine in ten admit to pretending to understand conversations to avoid asking others to repeat themselves, highlighting the hidden emotional strain, self consciousness, and exhaustion that often accompany living with hearing loss.
Claire Saywell RHAD, FSHAA, Area Manager Audiology & Head of Clinical Development at Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists comments: “Many people delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed or unsure, but hearing loss doesn’t have to mean missing out. The festive season is about connection, conversation, and celebration, and we encourage anyone experiencing hearing difficulties to get assessed and supported. Friends and family also play a vital role – there are simple, practical steps everyone can take to make gatherings more inclusive and ensure loved ones feel involved. No one should have to suffer in silence.”
10 communication tips for a more connected Christmas
To help make social gatherings easier and more enjoyable for everyone this year, Bayfields’ experts recommend these practical strategies:
- Face the person and ensure good lighting
“When speaking with someone who has hearing difficulties, face them directly and make sure your face is well lit. This helps them use visual cues such as lip reading and facial expressions to follow the conversation. Whenever possible, choose seating arrangements that allow everyone to see each other clearly – this simple step can make conversations feel much more natural and inclusive.” - Minimise background noise
“Background sounds like TVs, music, or chatter can make it much harder for people with hearing loss to follow conversations. Try sitting with your back to a wall rather than in the middle of the room to reduce surrounding noise and speak at a comfortable distance instead of shouting across the room as sound loses clarity over distance. A quieter, calmer setting helps everyone stay focused and feel included in the conversation.” - Speak clearly and naturally
“Avoid shouting or over exaggerating your mouth movements. Speaking clearly at a moderate pace helps people with hearing loss process speech more accurately, reduces listening fatigue, and makes it easier for them to follow conversations – especially in lively family gatherings or noisy environments.” - Use names to get attention
“Say the person’s name before speaking. This helps them focus and ensures they don’t miss the start of your message, particularly in busy group settings. If they don’t hear you, a gentle touch on the shoulder or a light hand wave can be an effective, respectful way to get their attention without startling them.” - Structure conversations simply
“Keep sentences straightforward and avoid sudden topic changes. When possible, pause between points and check that your loved one has understood before moving on. This gives them time to process the information, reduces the risk of misunderstandings, and makes group conversations less overwhelming.” - Rephrase when necessary
“If someone doesn’t understand, avoid just repeating the same words. Instead, try rephrasing using simpler language, examples, or visual cues. This approach helps prevent frustration, keeps the conversation flowing, and ensures everyone feels included and confident in what’s being communicated.” - Confirm key details
“Confirm important details, like times, dates, addresses, or names, by asking the person to repeat them back. This prevents misunderstandings and gives them confidence that they’ve received the information correctly, helping reduce confusion and stress in social and everyday situations.” - Use visual support or written cues
“Gestures, facial expressions, and even brief written notes can support spoken words and provide extra context. Visual cues help clarify meaning, reduce misunderstandings, and make social gatherings more engaging and inclusive for people with hearing difficulties.” - Take turns speaking
“In group conversations, encourage one person to speak at a time and minimise interruptions. This gives people with hearing difficulties a chance to fully process what’s being said, reduces confusion, and helps everyone feel included in the discussion.” - Be patient and encouraging
“Hearing difficulties can be exhausting, particularly during long gatherings. Being patient, kindly repeating or rephrasing information, and allowing short breaks can help reduce listening fatigue and ensure everyone can enjoy and fully participate in conversations.”
A more inclusive festive season
Hearing loss doesn’t have to mean missing out. With awareness, patience, and simple communication strategies, friends and family can help ensure everyone feels included and able to take part in conversations and activities. This festive season, small adjustments can make gatherings more enjoyable and accessible for all.
To find out why Bayfields is the UK’s top rated hearing aid provider, visit the website to book a free hearing health check and experience professional, client focused hearing care firsthand.
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