Hearing aids make it easy to hear external sounds coming from televisions, radios and smartphones as well as the voices of people and animals. But there are instances when these external sounds are just too loud, too many and too noisy!
What then can you when you’re in a noisy environment that makes wearing your hearing aids uncomfortable? Here are a few effective steps to cope.
Determine the Quietest and Loudest Areas
You can’t always control the sources of sound and their volume. This is particularly true in public places, such as restaurants, pubs and public transportation, although it can also happen in your home. You may be throwing a private party and your guest are enjoying the music, for example.
Your first step then is to identify the quietest and loudest spots. You can then find a place in the quietest spot so you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the loud noises.
For example, in a public bus with music blasting from speakers, the quietest spot will likely be the front seat near the driver. You may want to sit in this spot instead of at the back where most of the speakers are installed.
Find a Face-friendly Position
Once you have chosen the quietest spot, you should find a position where you can see other people’s faces, as many as possible. This isn’t bringing attention to yourself although it may initially seem like it. Instead, it’s about being able to look at the facial expressions, hand gestures and body language of the people you’re in the room with.
You can then make appropriate responses even when you can’t hear too well above the noise. You may even be able to lip read and it’s something that will come in handy in many situations.
You may also find a position where most of the noise is behind your back. You may also request the person you’re talking with to sit with his back to a wall, which will act as a barrier against the noise. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask the host or hostess for a seat at the table that will allow you to engage in conversations with little of the noise.
Plus, look for a place with good lighting. You will then be able to see what your family and friends are doing so you don’t feel left out. There’s also the fact that you can see them and, again, look for visual cues.
Most important, always protect your ears and their hearing ability. You may have to leave the place if the noise becomes too loud. Your already fragile ears have to be protected from further stress and it may mean limiting your social life to fairly quiet gatherings.
We are a specialist centre offering hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid prescription. If you think you need a hearing aid, make sure to get a hearing aid prescription. For more details of our hearing test & assessment, and hearing aid services, please contact HK Hearing & Speech Centre.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
and Hearing Aid Prescription
http://www.hkhearingspeech.com