Tips & Tricks for Hearing in Noisy Restaurants

Restaurants are loud these days! Having a conversation in a noisy restaurant can be difficult, even for individuals with normal hearing. The challenges are greater for those with hearing loss. Here are some tips and tricks for dining out!

Choose your restaurant based on more than just the food that is served there:

• Consider the lighting, it is easier to communicate in well-lit areas. Non-verbal cues like facial expressions and body language can be lost without proper lighting.
• Ask for a table away from the bar, coffee machines, kitchens, or party areas.
• Choose a booth over a table for better sound absorption. Likewise, if there are only tables available, choose an upholstered chair over a stool.
• If you are at a table, request a corner table. Sitting with your back to the wall can help with noisy distractions that would regularly be behind you in a busy restaurant. 
• Choose a round table. This way, speech is projected towards the center of the table and everyone’s face is visible during conversations.
• Advocate for your communication needs. Others will not know you need help unless you ask for it. If necessary, ask for the music to be turned down or to move to a quieter table.

Still struggling or need more ideas? Sign up for our aural rehabilitation class! This is a two-part class focused on better communication for both speakers and listeners. We offer classes in both Kansas and Missouri during convenient hours. Call us at 816-478-3008 to sign up!