Catching up with a friend over dinner or meeting someone for coffee at Relic can be a great way to connect. But if you’re among the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss,[1] the setting you choose can make a big difference in how easily you follow the conversation. Background noise, poor lighting and distance can all make understanding speech more challenging.
Fortunately, you can make conversations easier by thinking about your listening environment before you meet up. A few simple choices can help you enjoy your time with family and friends despite hearing loss.
Consider the Conversation Before Choosing the Setting
Not every conversation requires the same listening environment. If you’re planning an important conversation or spending time with someone you haven’t seen in a while, choose a place where you can hear comfortably.
A quiet restaurant, coffee shop or your home may be a better choice than a busy bar or crowded restaurant. When there is less background noise, your brain has an easier time separating the person’s voice from the sounds around you.
On the other hand, if you’re going somewhere mainly to enjoy an activity rather than have a long conversation, background noise may not be as much of a concern. The key is to think about how much talking you expect to do and choose an environment that supports it.
Look for Good Lighting and Clear Sightlines
Hearing isn’t the only way you understand what someone is saying. Facial expressions, lip movements and other visual cues can provide helpful information during a conversation. That’s why your surroundings matter.
When choosing a place to meet, look for an environment where you can easily see the people you’re talking to. Things that can interfere with visual cues include dim lighting, decorations and poor seating.
Whenever possible, sit where the light is directed toward the speaker rather than behind them. Choosing a seat that gives you a clear view of everyone in the conversation can make it easier to follow along.
Hearing Aids Can Make Conversations Easier
Hearing aids are an important part of improving communication in any listening environment.
Modern hearing aids are designed to collect and amplify sounds, helping make speech more accessible. Depending on your hearing needs and your devices, your hearing specialist can also make adjustments to help you hear more comfortably in different situations.
If you already wear hearing aids, regular maintenance and programming checks can help keep them performing their best. Call Augusta – Aiken ENT & Allergy to schedule an appointment for a hearing aid service.
[1] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2024). Quick statistics about hearing, balance, & dizziness. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing