Dear Eric: I hosted a small party recently at which a guest (again) didn’t wear his hearing aids. He has done this often enough that I took it personally. I admit it is a pet peeve of mine to have to constantly repeat conversations to him.

When asked why he didn’t wear them, he said he doesn’t need to in small group settings when, clearly, he does. I find this disrespectful of me and others in the group. Am I overreacting and taking it too personally? Does this enter the realm of personal hygiene and thus off limits?

– Host

Dear Host: While it may be inconvenient to have to repeat yourself, please remember that, for your guest, hearing loss is more than an inconvenience. Yes, social situations would go more smoothly for him if he wore his hearing aids, but his choice to forgo them isn’t

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