Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Welcome in the Joyful Sounds of the Season The northwest suburbs are glowing! From the twinkling lights along Arlington Heights' streets to the festive bustle of Schaumburg's shopping corridors, the air is filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and those beloved seasonal songs that make hearts feel a little lighter. Family gatherings are being planned, tables are growing longer, and every doorbell rings with friends ready to celebrate together. But for many of our neighbors statistically one in eight of us - those joyful sounds can feel distant or muddled. A grandchild's excited story, a toast across the table, or the punchline of a favorite holiday joke can slip away, leaving someone quietly struggling to keep up. When that happens, the person with hearing loss isn't the only one who misses out; the whole room feels it. This year let's make every seat at the table feel truly welcome. A few simple touches can change everything: Turn the background music down (or off) when everyone sits down to eat- the real melody is the conversation. Give the kids a spot to play that's just a little removed from the main gathering -the giggles still travel, but the volume stays kind. Create a cozy "quiet corner" with good lighting so those who need it can enjoy face-to-face chats without competing noise. Keep centerpieces low and lamps bright-clear sightlines help everyone follow along, especially those who read lips or facial expressions for extra clues. Speak directly to the person you're talking with, a little slower and a touch clearer never shouting, just caring. And if you're the one noticing the struggle, give yourself the gift of easier listening: Speak up kindly-"I'm having a little trouble hearing tonight, could we move closer or turn the music down?" Take quiet moments when you need them; a short break refreshes everyone. If your hearing aids have been Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. Marie Vetter-Toalson, Au.D sounding "off," now's the perfect time to have them checked-before the calendar fills up. .Get good sleep and take a brisk winter walk-staying rested keeps your brain sharp for understanding speech in lively settings. There's still time in 2025 to hear every cheer a little clearer. If you have unused HSA funds or have met your medical deductible for the year, take advantage and make an appointment. At Northwest Speech & Hearing, appointments are still available before the new year begins. Our caring team is ready to help you catch every "l love you," every toast, and every burst of laughter this season- and for many seasons to come. Give yourself-or someone you love-the gift of hearing. Call 847-392-2250 today or visit www. nwhearing.com to schedule. From all of us at Northwest Speech & Hearing may your holidays ring with warm voices, bright smiles, and the unmistakable sound of togetherness. Happy Holidays, Northwest Suburbs! | Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd., Ste. 409 Arlington Heights, IL 60005 847-392-2250 Business Insight presented by Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Welcome in the Joyful Sounds of the Season The northwest suburbs are glowing ! From the twinkling lights along Arlington Heights ' streets to the festive bustle of Schaumburg's shopping corridors , the air is filled with laughter , clinking glasses , and those beloved seasonal songs that make hearts feel a little lighter . Family gatherings are being planned , tables are growing longer , and every doorbell rings with friends ready to celebrate together . But for many of our neighbors statistically one in eight of us - those joyful sounds can feel distant or muddled . A grandchild's excited story , a toast across the table , or the punchline of a favorite holiday joke can slip away , leaving someone quietly struggling to keep up . When that happens , the person with hearing loss isn't the only one who misses out ; the whole room feels it . This year let's make every seat at the table feel truly welcome . A few simple touches can change everything : Turn the background music down ( or off ) when everyone sits down to eat- the real melody is the conversation . Give the kids a spot to play that's just a little removed from the main gathering -the giggles still travel , but the volume stays kind . Create a cozy " quiet corner " with good lighting so those who need it can enjoy face - to - face chats without competing noise . Keep centerpieces low and lamps bright - clear sightlines help everyone follow along , especially those who read lips or facial expressions for extra clues . Speak directly to the person you're talking with , a little slower and a touch clearer never shouting , just caring . And if you're the one noticing the struggle , give yourself the gift of easier listening : Speak up kindly- " I'm having a little trouble hearing tonight , could we move closer or turn the music down ? " Take quiet moments when you need them ; a short break refreshes everyone . If your hearing aids have been Northwest Speech and Hearing Center Ltd. Marie Vetter - Toalson , Au.D sounding " off , " now's the perfect time to have them checked - before the calendar fills up . .Get good sleep and take a brisk winter walk - staying rested keeps your brain sharp for understanding speech in lively settings . There's still time in 2025 to hear every cheer a little clearer . If you have unused HSA funds or have met your medical deductible for the year , take advantage and make an appointment . At Northwest Speech & Hearing , appointments are still available before the new year begins . Our caring team is ready to help you catch every " l love you , " every toast , and every burst of laughter this season- and for many seasons to come . Give yourself - or someone you love - the gift of hearing . Call 847-392-2250 today or visit www . nwhearing.com to schedule . From all of us at Northwest Speech & Hearing may your holidays ring with warm voices , bright smiles , and the unmistakable sound of togetherness . Happy Holidays , Northwest Suburbs ! | Northwest Speech and Hearing Center 1100 W. Central Rd . , Ste . 409 Arlington Heights , IL 60005 847-392-2250