We recently dined out on a Tuesday night. The restaurant was packed and incredibly noisy, which made us question if anyone cooks at home anymore! The laughter, noise, and clatter made it very difficult to hold a conversation. If you’re a bit like us and find yourself challenged with hearing in those noisy situations, here are a few tips to help.
Consider dining out when there is a smaller crowd.
This may require you to eat earlier or later than you are used to. When there are fewer people talking, laughing, and drinking it will be much easier to hear.
How and where you are seated can make a difference.
Sitting at a round table makes it possible to see who is talking. Much can be gained from facial expressions, and sometimes, this comes with a little lip reading.
If you find yourself in an undesirable seating arrangement, place yourself next to someone who you enjoy conversing with.
When dining with only one person, try sitting in a booth. Sitting directly across from each other will help make conversation easier.
If you wear hearing aids, there are a multitude of tricks.
Many hearing aids are equipped with a second microphone that can be accessed when the going gets tough.
Perhaps a program has been designed for hearing in noise. A smart phone, remote control, or button on the hearing aid may be used to initiate changes.
One of our favorite hearing aid accessories is a remote microphone. A remote microphone will send the voice of the talker directly into the hearing aids.
The ability to hear is unique to each of us. An audiologist can help support your best hearing in noisy environments. And if you’re willing to put in the work, your ability to hear better in noise can be improved.
We’re always here to help you. Just ask us.