Have you ever found it difficult to hear in a noisy environment, like a crowded restaurant or a party? You’re not alone! Hearing in background noise can be a challenge for many people, especially those with hearing loss. Let’s dive into some tips and tricks to help you hear better in noisy situations.
One strategy is to position yourself in the best listening environment possible. Try to choose a quiet corner or table away from the main source of noise. If possible, sit with your back to the noise and face the person you’re talking to. This will help to reduce background noise and make it easier to focus on the conversation.
Another strategy is to use hearing aids or other assistive devices. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology found that hearing aid users performed significantly better on speech-understanding tasks in background noise compared to non-hearing aid users. Hearing aids can help to amplify speech and reduce background noise, making it easier to hear in noisy environments.
In addition to hearing aids, there are also other devices that can help with hearing in background noise. For example, there are assistive listening devices (ALDs) that can be used in conjunction with hearing aids or as stand-alone devices. ALDs can help to enhance speech sounds and reduce background noise, making it easier to hear in challenging listening environments. Resound is one company that produces an excellent ALD called a multi-mic.
Finally, it’s important to practice good communication strategies. This includes things like facing the person you’re talking to, speaking clearly and at a reasonable volume, and asking for clarification if you don’t hear something. Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and let others know what you need to hear better in a noisy environment.
In conclusion, hearing in background noise can be a challenge, but there are strategies and devices available to help. By positioning yourself in the best listening environment, using hearing aids or other assistive devices, and practicing good communication strategies, you can improve your ability to hear in noisy situations.
By Darrell Cornelius, Director of Clinical Services, Best Hearing Aid Solutions
