After you’ve been diagnosed with hearing loss by a professional audiologist, simple pleasures like having a great meal out with friends at a bustling new restaurant can feel like a major challenge. The good news is, you can still enjoy dining if you take a few simple measures in advance. Here are some tips to improve your experience at restaurants.

4 Dining Out Tips to Embrace When Dealing With Hearing Loss

1. Research Restaurant Decor & Ambiance

Before booking your reservation, browse through photos of the space. If there are thick curtains, carpeting, cushioned chairs, acoustic tiles, and warm, wooden furniture, it’s safe to say there’s a high level of sound absorption, which makes it easier for you to hear the person next to you. In other words, lean towards traditional, classic dining experiences as opposed to modern restaurants that have minimal interior design and glass walls. 

2. Ask for Recommendations

Many diners, even those with great hearing, enjoy restaurants that provide the perfect setting for conversation. Ask your audiologist, friends, or family for recommendations of eateries known for low music, no televisions, and easy chatting. Online reviews can help with your pursuits, along with official dining guides, such as Zagat, which often include information on volume levels.  

3. Call Ahead

Reach out in advance and speak to the host in person. Explain your hearing situation and ask for a candid response on whether you’ll enjoy the experience and have the opportunity to hear your companion. When booking a reservation, ask if certain areas of the dining room are quieter than others. 

4. Request a Quiet Corner Table

Instead of being planted in the center of the room, see if you can reserve a quiet corner space that’s more intimate. When possible, request seating away from the kitchen and bar, which tend to generate more ambient noise. 

While it can be stressful dining out while you’re hard of hearing, there is a solution. The audiologist at Northwest Alabama Hearing Clinic, based in the heart of Hamilton, provides top-notch hearing lost treatment so that patients can maintain an excellent quality of life. If you have trouble hearing and you’d like to receive a professional assessment from a certified audiologist, call the office today at (205) 952-9944 to schedule an appointment. For more information on their services and hearing devices, check out their website.