Most adults have difficulty hearing Christmas conversations at the dinner table

THREE-quarters of adults struggle to hear Christmas conversations – due to the chaos of the big family gathering.

A survey of 2,000 people found that 59 percent admit that their family often yells at each other at the dinner table.

2

2

While 74 percent attend at least one party during the holidays, 23 percent are left with tinnitus even after a gathering.

While a third (34 percent) miss the point of a Christmas cracker joke across the dining room table.

It also found that 53 percent felt overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of a Christmas gathering.

As a result, 65 percent need time to recover from the festivities, while 44 percent avoid social gatherings entirely in January.

Gordon Harrison, chief audiologist at Specsavers, who commissioned the research, said: “The hustle and bustle of Christmas can sometimes make it difficult to listen and connect with loved ones.

“Whether you’re struggling to catch up over dinner, shouting over the music at Christmas parties or missing the punchline of a cracker joke, the noise and excitement can make it really challenging and stressful for many people.

“That’s why it’s so important to have support and patience with anyone who may find it difficult to understand every word.”

It also found that 69 percent of people aged 55 to 64 have difficulty hearing festive conversations – as do 64 percent of much younger adults aged 18 to 24.

41 percent of all respondents admit that they find it difficult to hear conversations due to the volume of the music.

Nearly four in ten (38 percent) find hearing difficult because of noisy children.

While 36 percent spent the holidays with a loved one struggling with hearing loss.

As a result, 69 percent have taken the time to speak to them more clearly and slowly, and 44 percent have turned down background noise to feel more comfortable.

While 23 percent feel that using hand gestures to communicate can help them, data from OnePoll.com shows.

Mr Harrison added: “They may nod and smile, but perhaps a little later than others, as they pick up physical cues from others in the conversation.

“It is important to help these people by talking to them in quieter moments and making sure they feel involved.

“If you think a loved one is having trouble hearing or is feeling overwhelmed by the festive noise, please encourage them to get the help they need.

“On average, it takes someone ten years to have their hearing checked from the moment they first experience problems, but taking good care of your hearing is so important.”