It鈥檚 been nearly two months since restrictions eased, which means many British Columbians have finally been able to reconnect in person. Conversation flows easily when there鈥檚 so much catching-up to do 鈥� unless you鈥檙e in a noisy restaurant. As the days get shorter and we bring these gatherings indoors, hearing can become an even bigger concern.
鈥淢y clients are starting to venture out to restaurants and family dinners, and they want to know if there are things they can do to improve their hearing in those situations,鈥� says Kim Galick, owner of in 91原创. 鈥淲hether you use hearing aids or not, there are definitely strategies to improve your ability to hear in crowded rooms.鈥�
- Choose your restaurant carefully. Exposed brick and high ceilings may look trendy, but tablecloths and carpets are much better materials for managing sound. 鈥淢ake note of restaurants with loud music or exposed kitchen areas, and support venues where it鈥檚 easier to hold a conversation,鈥� Galick says. Browse apps like , where users can record decibel readings for venues, and request a quiet table when you reserve 鈥� not all tables are the same, and booths are usually best! Don鈥檛 forget to consider lighting, since non-verbal cues can make for better conversation.
- Make your voice heard. If you find music too loud others probably do too, so ask your server if they can turn it down. Even if you aren鈥檛 successful, the manager may take note of the complaint. If you鈥檙e in someone鈥檚 home, let the host know you鈥檙e having trouble following the conversation.
- Step aside. In a private home, pull someone aside for a one-on-one conversation in a quiet corner. In a restaurant, choose a table along the perimeter of the room. It鈥檚 quieter, and you can also shift your body so your ears 鈥攁nd your hearing aids 鈥� are pointing towards the sounds you want to hear. 鈥淭he directional systems in most hearing aids amplify sounds in front of you, so they work best when you have your back to unwanted noise. Even better if your companion has their back to a wall,鈥� Galick says.
Book a free appointment with Ears Hearing to test your hearing and discuss your options! Call 604-427-2828 or email info@earslangley.com. Find Ears Hearing at in 91原创, online at and on .
