How to Plan a Hearing-Loss-Friendly Wedding
Hearing loss is common. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears, based on standard hearing examinations.” If you’re getting married, this is an important fact to know, as you’ll need to keep these guests in mind when you’re planning your wedding. We review how to plan a hearing-loss-friendly wedding below.
Seating Chart
When setting up for your ceremony, be sure to reserve seating near the front for guests who have hearing loss so they can hear and see better. It’s important to tell your guests these reserved seats are for them, or they might assume they’re for other people.
In addition, when it comes to the seating chart at your reception, you should put these guests near where the speeches will be made for the same reasons.
Microphones & Speakers
Microphones and speakers will help all your guests hear what’s going on, but they’ll be especially helpful for those with hearing loss. Keep the volume at a reasonable level so nobody experiences auditory overload.
Accommodations at the Venue
Talk to your venue of choice to see if they offer accommodations for people with hearing loss. One example of an accommodation they may have is a loop system to help people with hearing aids that have t-coils hear better in big rooms. Loop systems work by enabling sound to be transmitted directly to hearing aids.
You should also ask your venue if they have preferred vendors or partners that offer hearing loss accommodations, such as an ASL interpreter.
Scripts
When it comes to the spoken parts of the ceremony and reception, like songs, verses, vows or speeches, consider giving your guests who need it a pamphlet that includes the scripts. This way, they won’t miss anything.
Quiet Spaces
The experts at DeFatta Health also recommend creating quiet spaces for people who have hearing loss, so they can take listening breaks or converse more easily one-on-one. It’s important that, on your big day, you take the time to pull them aside to have a personal conversation.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, call DeFatta Health today.
