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Home ⟩ Hearing Health ⟩ Hearing in busy places

Hearing in busy places

Author thumbnail Charlotte Jones  |  Published 04 May 2023  | Updated 16 May 2024  | 4 mins read

British Union Jack flag garlands in a street.

With the King’s Coronation coming up this weekend and summer just around the corner, many of us are gearing up for parties, whether it’s a backyard BBQ or street parties galore. However, busy environments such as these can be a real challenge for those with hearing loss.

 

Why are busy places challenging for those with hearing loss?

A person with hearing loss processes the world differently from someone with no hearing loss. This is because their brains have to work harder to process sounds and filter out unwanted noises, which is especially difficult in busy environments where there are often multiple competing sounds. This can lead to feelings of mental exhaustion and fatigue.

Think about the last party or gathering you attended and then how many different conversations were taking place. The answer would be a lot. Now put yourself in the shoes of someone with hearing loss or impairment. With multiple conversations going on at the same time, as well as music or background noise, it may be difficult to focus on a conversation happening right in front of you. So instead, you may withdraw from what’s going on around you.

How to hear people in loud environments?

So now you know just how much of a struggle loud and busy environments can be for those with hearing loss, you may be thinking, is there anything that can be done to help? Well, the simple answer to that is yes. And we’ve listed a handful of these hints and tips below so you and your loved ones can enjoy the frivolities of any event.

Two elderly people talking during a barbecue.

Choose your location

No matter the occasion, location is key. Place yourself away from the main source of noise or busier areas. This will allow you to still be a part of the happenings but at a much more comfortable (and enjoyable) level for yourself. Having your back against a wall can also help so you’re not surrounded by noise.

Take regular breaks

Listening in noisy environments can be mentally tiring, so take regular breaks or find somewhere quieter to rest your ears and recharge.

Oticon Real in charger square on a table.

Ask others to speak clearly and face you

When talking to others in noisy environments, ask them to speak clearly and face you. Doing this will not only help you understand what is being said, but it will also help you read the speaker’s lips and facial expressions. Another handy tip is to ask the person or group you are part of to get your attention before talking so that you are included in all parts of the conversation.

Wear hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are perfectly equipped to enhance your hearing, especially in busy places. Depending on the hearing aid you have, you can alter the sounds they pick up from the palm of your hand using your smartphone, turning down the volume in the background so you can focus on the conversation. Because they amplify speech for you, you’ll also find that hearing aids take away a lot of the mental strain you’d experience if left unaided.

How can The Hearing Care Partnership help?

At The Hearing Care Partnership, our audiologists are dedicated to helping you get the most out of any occasion. Working with you, they will discuss your individual needs, taking into account your level of hearing loss and budget, before demonstrating a hearing aid from some of the world’s leading hearing aid brands.

Once chosen, your audiologist will explain all the functionalities of your hearing aid and, most importantly, the customisations you can make to suit your environment.

If you are worried about your hearing, someone you care about, or would like to find out more about hearing aids, book an appointment today. To book, call our dedicated Patient Support team on 0800 52 00 546 or book an appointment online.

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