Approximately 15% of U.S. adults have some difficulty hearing. Navigating conversations in crowded places can be challenging when dealing with hearing loss. Fortunately, hearing aids are powerful tools designed to amplify speech and help you stay connected to the people around you.
Let’s explore some practical tips to get the most out of your hearing aids in noisy environments and a few effective communication strategies to keep conversations flowing effortlessly.
How To Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids
Modern hearing aids have advanced features like spatial audio and noise suppression. These technologies are designed to help users focus on the sounds they want to hear while reducing background noise:
- Spatial audio. The spatial audio feature allows hearing aids to mimic how human ears naturally locate and focus on sounds, making it easier to identify where a voice or noise is coming from. Spatial audio technology is relatively recent. Talk to your hearing aid specialist about your upgrade options.
- Noise suppression. Many hearing aids include settings that filter out unwanted sounds. While noise suppression is not flawless, adjusting these hearing aid settings to suit specific environments can make a big difference in crowded places like work parties or busy nights at Slackwater.
In addition to getting to know your device features, cleaning and charging your hearing aids daily can help ensure they’re working at their best.
Communication Strategies for Crowded Places
Even with hearing aids, crowded places can still pose challenges. A few practical communication strategies to help you hear better and connect more effectively include:
- Choose the right spot. Position yourself where background noise is minimal. Steer clear of seats near speakers, entryways and kitchens.
- Ask for repeats. If you miss part of a conversation, politely ask the speaker to repeat or rephrase what they said. They’ll appreciate that you cared enough to ask.
- Practice active listening. It’s easy to let your mind drift during a conversation, especially in a crowded environment full of distractions. Practice active listening by giving the speaker your undivided attention. Focus on their specific words and ask questions. Try to focus on what the speaker is saying rather than how you’ll respond.
By making the most of your hearing aids and employing effective communication strategies, you can enjoy fun conversations with friends, regardless of the environment. To learn more about managing hearing loss, contact South Valley Ear Nose & Throat – West Jordan for an appointment with one of our specialists.