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Hearing loss is a common problem, affecting about 14% of Americans, especially those over age 60. Many people first realize they have a hearing issue when background noise is present, as background sound makes it harder for even those with normal hearing to understand speech. For those with hearing loss, it can be downright impossible.
Those with even mild hearing loss can expect to have a harder time following a conversation when background noise is present, which brings with it earlier social fatigue and a harder time remembering the conversation. It is not uncommon for people to start avoiding busy social situations once hearing loss enters the picture, but a few tips can help you to navigate the problem and still enjoy time out with family and friends.
Choose Quieter Places
If you’re meeting up with people, suggest places where background noise will be less of an issue. You may already have a sense of which establishments in your area make it easier to hear. Restaurants with carpeting, padded seats, quieter or no background music, lots of plants, more acoustically separated kitchen areas, and good lighting will all contribute to a better experience.
Read Whenever Possible
Check the specials board on your way in, rather than relying on the server to list them for you. Also read the menu for available options regarding sides, salad dressings, and other choices that will accompany your main dish. Your server will likely list them as they take your order, but you’ll have an easier time if you already know the options and have your choices ready.
Choose a Good Table
If you know where you’re going, call ahead and reserve a preferred table away from the door, cashier, kitchen, waiting area, and bathrooms. Every restaurant has some tables that are quieter than others, so make sure you are seated at one of them. Tables along a wall or in a corner tend to be quieter than those in the center of the restaurant, where sound may be coming from all sides.
Some tables may also have better lighting than others. It’s easier to follow a conversation if you can see the other person’s face. You’ll pick up on more non-verbal cues, and you’ll be able to read lips. If the sun is still out, sit with your back to the window so the light will fall on your dining companions’ faces.
Avoid the Busiest Times
Rather than planning your outing for Friday or Saturday evening, when just about everyone is out, try to schedule for a weeknight, or outside the busiest hours.
Ask For Accommodations
This isn’t possible everywhere or at all times, but many places will be willing to accommodate requests. You might ask if the music can be turned down, or the lights can be turned up.
Whether or not the establishment can meet your requests to change the music volume or the lighting, your server will be able to help you understand them better. You might ask them to speak a little louder or slower, or to face you while they speak.
Meet Up With Smaller Groups
While it can be tempting to “get everyone together,” this won’t be much fun if you can’t hear what anyone is saying. Try to keep your group to a maximum of three or four if you really want to have a conversation.
Use Your Hearing Aids!
If you have hearing loss that makes it difficult to hear in background noise, hearing aids are the best thing you can do to ensure that you’ll still be able to follow a conversation. Most hearing aids today have programming that helps to prioritize speech over background sound, and some models can even improve speech comprehension in noisy situations to better than normal, for some wearers.
Your hearing aids should have program settings for different environments. Some models also have a “directional” setting that prioritizes sound that comes from in front of you. By turning this on, you’ll be able to hear a person better simply by looking at them! Some models even allow you to create a special setting for a certain environment, then save it on a map. Every time you return to that place, your hearing aids will automatically switch to that program.