Everybody celebrates Valentine’s Day a little differently. Some people like to get dressed up and go out to a fancy dinner, while others might want to see a new movie at Promenade Cinema 14. However you like to celebrate, it’s important to put good communication at the center stage. If you’re among the 15% of U.S. adults with hearing loss, finding ways to make your day hearing-friendly is crucial to good communication.
Let’s look at a few ways you can accommodate hearing loss for an even better Valentine’s Day.
Find a Quiet Restaurant
Busy restaurants can be especially challenging for people with hearing loss. All the competing background noise, like clanking dishes and fellow diners, makes speech differentiation difficult. Look for restaurants off the beaten track that may not be as busy on Valentine’s Day.
You can also try going out for a Valentine’s Day lunch or scheduling your dinner the day before or after the 14th for a quieter time.
Ask for a Quiet Table
In addition to finding a quiet restaurant, it’s also a good idea to call ahead and ask for a quieter table. A two-person table against a wall, away from the kitchen or host station, will be quieter than a table in the center of the room.
Adjust Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids require different settings based on your environment. For example, you may need to raise the volume in a crowded restaurant and then lower it at the park. Adjust your settings when you get to the restaurant so you can enjoy clearer conversation with your loved one.
Try an Alternative Date
If you’re worried about communicating in a busy setting, try an alternative date. A few hearing-friendly options include:
- Go ice skating
- Making dinner together
- Ordering takeout and watching a movie
- Taking a pottery class
- Going star gazing
Accommodating hearing loss with a bit of planning and the help of your hearing aids will lead to a more enjoyable Valentine’s Day with your partner. To learn more about managing hearing loss, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today for an appointment with one of our specialists.