How to Make the Most of Group Settings When You Have Hearing Loss

Posted on by San Diego ENT

According to a 2020 review, “Most multivariable-adjusted studies found that hearing loss was associated with higher risk of loneliness and social isolation.” In other words, hearing loss can cause you to withdraw from people and activities you once enjoyed, especially ones that are challenging listening situations, like group settings. Below we review how to navigate common group settings and to get the most out of your hearing aids.

Restaurants

Adult woman with a hearing impairment uses a hearing aid to communicate with her female friend at city park. Hearing solutions

Whether you’re going on an intimate date or attending a large dinner party at Water Grill San Diego, the following tips can help you follow along successfully:

  • Choose a restaurant with good lighting and soft surfaces.
  • Go during slower hours instead of during the lunch or dinner rush.
  • Request to be seated in a quiet corner, far from the kitchen, bathrooms and waiters’ station.
  • Select a seat in the middle of the table so you can see and hear everyone.
  • Politely request that the music be turned down.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask the person next to you to repeat important information.
  • Request that people rephrase what they said if you missed it.

Family Get-Togethers

Now that we’re seeing a lift of COVID restrictions, many families are getting together for the first time in years. If you’re attending one of these events, be sure to:

  • Contact the host in advance to communicate about your hearing loss and listening needs.
  • Invite a friend or family member to stand with you and repeat information you’ve missed.
  • Move to a quiet corner of the house or yard to have conversations with relatives you haven’t seen in a while.
  • Sit in a central seat so you can see and hear what everyone has to say.
  • Try to focus on just one person at a time rather than everyone at once.

Weddings

Similarly, many weddings that had to be postponed due to COVID are now being scheduled for the upcoming year. To prepare, you can:

  • Communicate about your hearing loss and request any necessary accommodations, like sitting near the front so you can hear the speeches when you RSVP.
  • Bring along an assistive listening device such as a microphone that can be passed around to different people so their voices are streamed to your ears.
  • Download a speech-boosting app or a live captioning app.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call San Diego ENT today.