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Tips for Choosing a Restaurant When You Have Hearing Loss
Eating at a restaurant is one of the many situational factors affected by hearing loss. Such things as room acoustics, background noise, and competing signals can make the difference between a pleasant meal and a frustrating experience. After all, the conversation enjoyed during mealtimes is one of life’s little pleasures. Added to the challenge of dealing with these daily hurdles is that many people have no understanding of the impact an environment can have on a person with hearing loss.
How to Choose a Restaurant when you have Hearing Loss
A noisy restaurant is often an irritation to people with perfectly good hearing, and it’s worse for people with hearing loss. Choosing a dining establishment that has both good food and a good audio-environment can be tricky. This is one of the adjustments that go along with loss of hearing, and accepting that fact can take some of the sting out of the ongoing dilemma.
Picking a restaurant that is hearing-loss-friendly can be accomplished with some research. More successful results may come about with an added touch of detective work or, in the alternative, a drop of chutzpah. Dining areas in restaurants often have tables that are closer together than ever, and sound-absorbing carpeting is frequently exchanged for hard floors.
To ensure a dining experience you won’t regret, try the following applicable tips:
- The best restaurants to choose have décor that helps to absorb sound. Curtains, carpets, rugs, cloth tablecloths, acoustic tiles, and cushioned chairs all help to absorb sound. Many restaurants have websites with photos, and you may be able to observe whether or not the dining area has these desirable features.
- When making a reservation, mention that you have hearing loss and need to be scheduled for a quiet location. When you arrive at the restaurant, remind the hostess of your request. If seated at an undesirable table in which hearing problems are sure to occur, request a better location more suitable to your situation. (This is where the chutzpah comes in!)
- If making specific requests to ensure a good dining experience when you have hearing loss, you could ask for a booth, if it has seats with high backs; sit in the corner, so that there is a barrier from the noise behind you; or sit next to a wall, which also helps to reduce distracting sounds.
- If a restaurant is a bit noisy and they have outdoor seating, sitting outdoors may be helpful. Just be sure the outdoor area is not near traffic, which can also get noisy. Going outside can help to escape loud background music, as well.
- Seek out the opinions of others. You can ask friends if they can recommend a quiet restaurant. Read through online reviews in search of such comments as “perfect for conversing over a meal.”
- An excellent strategy for enjoying a restaurant when you have hearing loss is to avoid large crowds. Eat your meal either before or after dining rooms tend to be filled to capacity.
Once you’ve found restaurants in your area with both good cuisine and nice acoustics, you can choose an old standby, anytime you want to avoid a risky dining venture.
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