Ways to Stay Connected During Tough Times

Getting adjusted to social distancing during COVID-19 is hard, and we’re sure it’s taken a lot of patience to get used to. 

During this time we may be feeling lonely or isolated from our friends and family - but there are many ways to stay connected. 

Staying connected with those around us helps to fill the void left from the absence of our daily routines and makes us feel calmer about the whole situation. 

Here are some ways in which you can still stay connected with those around you, even when you’re social distancing. 

Schedule Regular Video Chats

We live in an age where technology is booming, and we aren’t short on apps and software that let us call our loved ones face-to-face. Zoom, Skype, Facebook, FaceTime and many others are there to help assist us in this difficult time of isolation. If you have hearing aids with Bluetooth technology you can connect directly to your iPad or telephone to use FaceTime, Facebook Live, or Zoom or Skype.

Skype video calls allow for live caption subtitle options and the Google App can be used with an iPhone or iPad for turning speech into text. (It is not available for telephone calls, but could be helpful for meetings and appointments.)

Whether it’s a quick check-in with a family member or an hour-long chat with a close friend, there are many ways you can continue communication with the people you love in your life. 

Seeing people, even if it’s over video chat, will help you feel more relaxed and comfortable during social isolation.

Start a Blog or a Vlog

If you’re a creative person and you love to express your thoughts, then starting a blog is a good option to get all your thoughts on a page. It’s a fantastic way to spread your creativity and share with your family and friends so they can read about what you’re doing. 

You can also make vlogs (video updates) of what you’re doing and what you’re into. You can make them about literally anything and they’re a fun way to keep yourself active and talking throughout social isolation. 

Blogs and vlogs are also a great way to begin chatting with people online about similar interests and topics.

Send Letters and Cards

Everybody loves receiving mail - especially if it’s from a friend or loved one. Mail is incredibly exciting to receive (as long as it’s not a bill!) and can make us feel happier about our situation. 

Consider writing a letter or send a card to one of your friends that doesn’t live nearby. You could even send somebody a care package full of sweet treats to enjoy. 

Play Games 

If you live with family or friends, it’s a great idea to pass the time with some board games. Board games are a fantastic way to bring family together, and it’ll get everyone talking to each other, even if it is about who cheated in Monopoly. 

Not interested in board games? Have nobody close-by to play with? You can access many free, online games on your computer. With these games, you can play with friends who live far away or even a grandchild. For an even better experience, try playing the game while on a video call!

Go Through Old Photos

Looking through pictures is a great way to smile, laugh, and relive special events. It’ll also help you look forward to new memories created in the future. 

If you have an old photo album lying around, snap a couple of pictures on your phone of your favorite photos inside and share them with your loved ones to strike up a fun conversation that’ll take you down memory lane.

Improving Communication With Hearing Loss 

It may be difficult to communicate with your frequent communication partner (FCP) during this time, but here are some tips to help both the speaker and the listener. 

Tips for the listener

• You should be within 10 feet of the speaker, but you should always respect the social distancing rules. 
• Stay in control of the environment around you. If the TV is on, turn down the volume or switch it off completely.
• Try not to say “what” and instead ask for clarification. For example, you could say; “I don’t understand, could you repeat that?” 

Tips for the speaker

• Get the attention of your listener before you start speaking without startling them. Try saying their name calmly and clearly. 
• Try to be 8 feet or closer when speaking, but remember to respect the rules of social distancing. 
• Start the conversation by talking about the topic you’re going to discuss. This will make it easier to set the conversation up. 
  

If you’d like to learn more about improving communication with a hearing loss for listeners and speakers you can check out our video on the subject:

If you have any questions about staying connected in these uncertain times, send us a message. 

We are currently offering Telehealth appointments, so if you’re in need of a Telehealth or Drive-Thru Care hearing aid issue appointment - you can schedule here.

If you’d like to learn more about all of our virtual service options, please visit our virtual services page.