When presented with noisy situations, consider these tips to help you hear more clearly.
1) In public places, ask to be seated in quiet areas like next to a wall or away from heavy traffic areas. Don’t be shy with your needs. You can also request a quiet area when making your reservation. Find out the hours that are least busy and make plans to visit then.
2) Sit near the front of a venue or by the individual speaking. Sound weakens over distance, so sitting closer to someone will make it easier to hear him/her.
3) Supplement your hearing aids. Use assistive listening devices (ALDs) whenever possible. Invest in your own ALD or utilize those provided by many theaters and other venues. Look for the hearing loop logo. The blue sign with an ear on it signifies that the area is looped with a wire that will transmit sound from a speaker directly into your hearing aids. In such circumstances, switch your hearing aid to telecoil or T-mode.
4) Relax when conversing. Listening is harder when you are tired or stressed. Don’t become tense or nervous if you can’t understand, simply ask the speaker to repeat him/herself or ask for an unheard statement to be reworded.
5) Invest in a remote control that allows you to adjust the microphone and directionality of
your hearing aids. Let your family know that they can help you by speaking in a normal tone, looking directly at you, speaking near you, and rephrasing, if necessary.
If you are interested in learning how you or a loved one can benefit from healthy hearing, contact Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions today at 888-473-8702!
