INDUSTRY INSIGHT
YOUR HEARING
SPONSORED CONTENT
Tips for Hearing In
a Noisy Restaurant
This Holiday Season!
B
oth Zagat and Consumer Reports surveys have found that
excessive noise is among the top complaints diners have,
ahead of service, crowds, or even food issues. Specifically,
Zagat’s 2016 America’s Top Restaurants Survey showed that
a noisy restaurant is the #1 complaint from diners. Even for those with
normal hearing, following a conversation in a loud restaurant can be
a challenge. But when you have hearing loss, the clanging dishes,
music, and voices in a large open area can make hearing when dining
out nearly impossible.
However, these tips will help you make your next night out on the
town more enjoyable!
1.) If you have a choice between a table or a booth, pick a booth.
2.) Check where you are seated. Are you sitting directly under the
air conditioner, fan or music speaker? Loud music is not your
friend! If you ask, sometimes the restaurant will agree to turn
down the volume of the music.
3.)
Most hearing aids have directional microphones (two
InFoxChapel Making Waves_Eartique 10/1/19 4:44 PM Page 1
microphones instead of one) — put the greatest amount of
Hearing device technology that’s
making waves
noise behind you. Directional microphones are designed to
reduce sounds from the side and the rear, and focus on sounds
in front of you. Think of it this way: Directional microphones
will focus your hearing aids wherever your nose is pointing.
So if you are facing into a noisy restaurant, the directional
microphones will be focusing on the greatest amount of
background noise. That is not good! When your hearing aids
have directional microphones, the best spot to sit is where the
room noise will be behind you.
4.) If you are dining with a larger group, try to avoid sitting at the
ends of the table. It is very difficult to hear from one end to the
other, so try to sit in the middle. Be realistic. You are not going
to hear everyone, so sit next to people you like!
5.) Don’t sit near the kitchen, bar or host area. The ambient noise
from these locations will be distracting.
6.) Look at the person who is talking. When you are in a
challenging listening situation, like a restaurant, you are going
to need to use some visual cues.
Restaurants over the past two decades have reduced acoustical
dampers such as tablecloths, carpet and drapery. The shift to casual
dining from formal has also been seen in the industrial architecture,
with use of concrete, stone, tin ceiling and tile—all increasing noise
pollution! Choose your eatery wisely; your time and hearing are
valuable!
Sources: “I can’t hear you” by Julia Belluz, “Hearing Loss News” by All American
Hearing
This Industry Insight was written by Beth M. Kenny, AuD, who
earned her undergraduate degree in Communication Science
& Disorders at the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of
Arts in Audiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She
completed her clinical doctorate in Audiology from A.T. Still
University in 2005. Beth is certified by the American Academy
of Audiology and has been practicing since 2003.
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Debra L. Greenberger is the owner of Eartique. She received
her master’s degree in Audiology (Hearing Science) from
Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and she is
certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association.
Debra has been diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing
aids for over 25 years.
Leslie A. Dunst, MS/CCC-A, is a Clinical Audiologist who has
enjoyed providing diagnostic testing and rehabilitative services
for over 25 years. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree
in Speech Pathology and Audiology and her Master of Science
in Audiology from West Virginia University. Leslie is also
certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association. Her diverse background spans three states (Ohio,
West Virginia and Pennsylvania) and includes private practice,
ENT offices, and clinical and hospital settings. Leslie is
dedicated to providing quality service to her patients and committed to helping
improve their quality of life by helping them to hear their best. She resides in Peters
Township with her husband and son.
FOX CHAPEL AREA
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