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.
December 4, 2017 @ 8:03 pm
I miss Melissa Mandra.!!!!
December 4, 2017 @ 10:26 pm
Trying to hear others in a restaurant can be very difficult. Often you have no choice in where you are seated. Do you have some general instructions for these situations?
December 7, 2017 @ 4:19 pm
Hi Virginia, you always want to make sure that you can clearly see the person who you are speaking with. Also, you might want to ask your audiologist if your hearing aids are compatible with a remote microphone, as remote mics are very helpful in these sorts of situations!
December 7, 2017 @ 5:28 pm
The remote microphone…
how do I know if my aids are compatible…
and if so, can I get one at HHC?
Thank you
December 13, 2017 @ 9:37 pm
Hi Walter, I checked with one of our audiologists, and your aids are compatible with the remote microphone! If you have further questions, we’d love to see you in the office! Would you like me to have Dr. Fisher or Meghan call you in case you want to know more?