What to know about dining out when you have hearing loss

Going out to a restaurant may be a fun way to bond with friends or family members. It might also feel like a nice break from cooking at home.

But dining out may be a different experience when you wear hearing aids or have hearing loss. You might be seated in a noisy spot. Or your table mates could be talking over one another.

“For those with hearing challenges, this noise can make it more difficult to follow conversations,” says Ross Cushing, Au.D. He’s a clinical audiologist and CEO of Live Better Hearing + Balance, a family-owned practice. “What might start as a fun night out with friends can quickly feel overwhelming. It can also become filled with misunderstandings, frustration and even embarrassment,” he adds.

That doesn’t mean you should stay home. Connecting with others is important. And bonding over food is something so many of us love to do. 

Luckily, there are steps to take to make dining out more enjoyable. Here’s how to get started.

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Pick a quieter spot

That may mean going to smaller, less crowded restaurants. But it could also mean looking at how the space is set up or where you sit. To hear better:

• Go for places with less echo and ambient noise, advises Cushing. That means choosing restaurants with booth seats, carpets and cushioned furniture, he says.
   
• Ask for an outside table. It’s generally quieter outdoors, Cushing says.
   
• If there’s live music, ask to be seated as far away from the performers as possible. Or come back on a different night.¹
   
• Choose a table in the corner or near a wall, Cushing suggests. Or sit with your back against the wall to limit the amount of noise coming from behind you.
   
• Sit as far away as possible from loud spots, like the kitchen or bar.²

Do some advanced planning

Your goal is to eat somewhere where you’re able to take part in the conversation without straining to listen. And sometimes that requires a little bit of work ahead of time.

• Go during off-peak hours, like mid-afternoon or early evening, says Cushing. That’s when restaurants are less busy and noisy. “That may make it easier to chat,” he adds. Another benefit to going to one of your tried-and-true spots early? You should have more say in where you get seated.
   
• Make a reservation and ask for a table in a quieter spot. That raises the odds you will get what the one you want.
   
• Try an app like SoundPrint, Cushing suggests. This app (and others like it) lets you measure sound decibel levels wherever you are. It also lets you search for quieter places in your area, including restaurants, that have already been rated by other users.

Look to your dining companions

There are a few things that make listening to conversations easier, whether you’re with one person or several.

• Lighting is important. With brighter lighting, you might see someone’s facial expressions and gestures more easily. This could help  you follow the conversation better.²
   
• Let your tablemates know what helps you hear. Or ask them not to talk over one another. “Most people are happy to help. They just need a little guidance,” says Cushing.
   
• Aim for smaller gatherings. Larger groups mean lots of overlapping conversations. That makes it even more challenging to catch what people are saying and take part. If you’re the one organizing a dinner, invite just a few people.

Take advantage of hearing aid accessories

There are hearing aid accessories that may help improve hearing when you’re in a noisy environment. Consider speaking to a hearing care professional if you want to learn more. (AARP® members can request a hearing exam and consultation without a referral through AARP® Hearing Solutions™ provided by UnitedHealthcare Hearing.)

Here are some that Cushing recommends:

• A remote microphone amplifies a speaker’s voice while reducing background noise. You just clip the remote mic to the person you’re having a meal with.
   
• If you are meeting more than one person, consider a table microphone. Place this device at the center of the table. It has multiple built-in microphones that “catch” the voice of whoever is speaking and stream it to your hearing aid.
   
• Check your hearing aid. Many have a “restaurant mode” feature that reduces background noise and amplifies speech. The result? Clearer conversations, says Cushing.

So don’t let your hearing issues get in the way of your eating adventures. Pick a strategy or an accessory, grab a friend or family member and go to town.

Ready to request a hearing exam and consultation? AARP Hearing Solutions has a national network of hearing care professionals. Request an appointment.

Sources

1. Managing hearing loss in social settings: tips for seniors with hearing aids National Council on Aging. November 2, 2023.
2. Tips for improving conversation in noisy environments ASHA Audiology Information Series. Accessed on December 16, 2024.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

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