Tips for Understanding Better in Noise

Author: Dr. Jaclyn Riel 

Walking into a busy restaurant, a work meeting, or even a family gathering, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated with all the sounds your hearing instruments are picking up.  This is normal!  Even people with normal hearing have difficulty in these situations.  Here are some tips to help you hear your best: 

1. Always sit facing the person that you are trying to hear, and put your back to the crowd/noise! Do not sit with your back to a wall and face the crowd. 

2. Make sure there is adequate lighting.  A dark restaurant makes it difficult to read facial expressions and lips.

3. If you are in a large meeting, ask if the room is looped or if they have assistance for the hearing impaired. 

4. Use a remote microphone to hear the speaker (if your hearing aids are compatible). 

5. Turn down the noise if possible (turn off the television, turn down the radio). 

6. Do not be afraid to tell people when you didn’t hear them! If you do not understand something, ask that the speaker repeat or rephrase. You would be surprised by how many other people also missed what was said! 

7. Find a quiet place to talk. Stay away from speaker systems and music while talking with others.