Believe it or not, many of today’s chain restaurants are designed with noise in mind. Been to Baker’s Crust or P.F. Chang’s? Does open, warehouse-like architecture, clatter from the kitchen, and a close arrangement of tables recall a trendy New York City restaurant? Does the activity and buzz put guests in a festive mood? That’s exactly the effect that the restaurant’s designers want.
If living with a hearing loss or wearing a hearing aid or dining with family and friends who do, be aware of restaurant design. Because living with hearing loss is sometimes depressing, bad moods and fussy actions can be avoided by recognizing how the environment can play a part in the ability to enjoy a festive occasion. Choose a restaurant or dining location based on environmental features that support improved hearing.
Choose Restaurants Designed with Comfortable Customer Conversation in Mind
The hard of hearing, those who wear hearing aids, and their companions must be assertive and suggest dining in a restaurant decorated with fabric-covered furniture and walls. Soft decorations will absorb noise. Restaurants with tables more spaciously arranged will also help cut down on competing conversation. When tables are covered with tablecloths, the clatter of dishes, glasses, and tableware won’t interrupt.
But If the Latest Trendy Restaurant is a Must
If younger family members or guests choose a trendier restaurant, however, don’t be shy about offering some information about hearing loss to those who may not have considered how the noise will impact some. The hard of hearing and their family and friends should:
- ask to sit as far away from other tables as possible and should choose to have the hard of hearing person of person wearing a hearing aid sit in a chair or booth with upholstery
- ask fellow dinners to be sure to talk slowly and face the person who is hard of hearing or wearing a hearing aid. Talking louder doesn’t always help. Talking slowly and directly is most effective.
- avoid going to restaurants during their busiest hours when the establishments are often crowded and noisiest. Relatives and friends will usually opt to eat early if it is a matter of an enjoyable experience rather than dining with someone who scowls through the occasion.
- ask the hostess to seat a party with someone who is hard of hearing in the quietest part of the restaurant, away from the kitchen or path of access to the restrooms or entrances
- seat the hard of hearing person who does not wear hearing aids with his or her back to the wall. The person with hearing aids that include directional microphones that pick up sounds in front should sit with his or her back to the noisiest part of the room.
- plan ahead by looking at specials on the restaurants website beforehand or be sure to read the specials board before sitting down. In spite of all precautions, it may still be hard to hear an unfamiliar waiter or waitress who may talk with an accent, or speak quickly or quietly.
- When something is being discussed that the hard of hearing person doesn’t want to miss, he or she should cup hands behind ears to direct sound pressure waves toward the ears. Birdwatchers will do this instinctively.
- ask an audiologist if an assistive listening device would be useful to improve hearing in noisy restaurants where background noise prevents good communication with the elderly or hearing impaired.
People who wear hearing aids or are hard of hearing should recognize that there will still be some frustrating moments and that there is nothing that can be done to overcome some situations. It is not their fault. It is the responsibility of listeners and talkers to take actions that will limit communication failures. Set realistic goals. Don’t bluff. Talkers should not tease. Write down important information. The listener must tell the talker when his volume, speed, and direction make hearing difficult for others and offer positive feedback after talking in a manner that is thoughtful of hearing loss.
Take this advice to heart and plan to have an enjoyable evening out.
Source:
Martin, F.N. & Clark, J.F. (2009). Introduction to Audiology. Boston: Pearson.
More on Hearing:
- Attentiveness to Hearing Loss: Birdwatchers are Sensitive Listeners
- How We Hear: Travel Along a Sound Wave from Ear to Brain
- Ringing in the Ears? Ask for Help with Tinnitus
Sara E. Lewis - Sara E. Lewis is a writer and publications consultant. As a freelancer, she writes and produces marketing materials and especially enjoys ...
