Hearing Aids and Handling Restaurant Noise
The months of November and December typically have your calendar filled with family, friend, and coworker gatherings. While some of these gatherings will be held in someone’s home, most of them will be in noisy restaurants and banquet halls. For people who suffer from hearing loss and wear hearing aids, large get-togethers can be a hearing challenge. At Sound Hearing Care, we want you to be comfortable during loud social situations, and we have compiled a list of tips to keep in mind during the busy social holiday season.
Holiday Season Hearing Tips
Pick a quiet restaurant (if possible) – If you can provide input on the location of the holiday party or if you are in charge of the planning, select a restaurant that has a quieter atmosphere. If the restaurant or banquet hall has carpet, drapes, low ceilings, and a private kitchen then it will be quieter. Be sure to check the restaurant reviews, because they may include noise ratings.
Sit facing and close to the front of the room if there is a speaker – If you can get a seat at the front of the room if there is a speaker, you will be able to listen easier and have fewer distractions. If you aren’t able to sit near the front of the room when a speaker is present, then try to get a seat facing the front so you can see the speaker’s face and read lips if needed.
Always wear your hearing aids – Hearing aids should be worn at all times when you are out in public, especially in restaurants. Your hearing aids can help you block out background noise and can help you hear the people talking closest to you. And don’t forget to check your batteries to make sure they are fully charged before you leave the house.
Ask people to repeat themselves – If you missed what someone said to you or the group you are with, don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for clarification or a repeat of what was said. You don’t want to miss important information, and you don’t want to feel left out if you didn’t hear anything clearly.
Don’t stress – If the event you are attending is so noisy that it is difficult for you to hear people talking to you, don’t stress or get frustrated about it. Ask people to repeat what they said if they spoke directly at you, and don’t hesitate to let people know you are hard of hearing. People are very understanding and will do whatever they can to make sure you are included in the fun.
If you haven’t had your hearing checked in the past year, it’s time to give us a call! Make an appointment at one of our four convenient locations at Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville. Contact us at 864-881-1663.
Don’t let restaurant noise keep you from enjoying your holiday gatherings.
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