Approximately 1.5 billion people in the world live with hearing loss. One of the common symptoms of hearing loss is difficulty understanding speech in busy environments. For example, if you’re having a busy Friday night dinner with a friend at the Silk Road Restaurant, you may find that the competing background chatter and clatter of dishes make it difficult to understand your conversation. While most people occasionally struggle to understand others in loud environments, it is especially difficult for those with hearing loss.
How Can Hearing Aids Help?
Many modern hearing aids are equipped with advanced technology to help you separate between speech and background noise. This technology may include:
- Noise suppression algorithms designed to separate speech from background noise.
- Directional microphones that automatically switch directions based on speech and sound signals. Many of these microphones focus on speech in the direction you’re facing, which is especially helpful in busy environments.
While hearing aids can make a tremendous difference in your ability to comprehend speech in competing noise environments, they may not be able to filter out all noise without reducing the volume of speech. When hearing aids cannot completely reduce all background noise, communication strategies can help bridge that gap.
Communication Strategies for Better Understanding
Communication strategies are essential for improved interactions, especially in busy environments. A few strategies to consider include:
- Talk face-to-face. Facing the speaker during a conversation will help you better understand facial expressions and lip movements. Face-to-face conversation may also help your hearing aids identify the right speech to amplify.
- Ask clarifying questions. Everyone misses a word or phrase every once in a while. If you’re unsure what someone said, ask clarifying questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for repetition or rephrasing.
- Move locations. If your environment makes communication frustrating, try moving to a quieter area. When in doubt, outdoor seating or quieter hours are great options.
By relying on your hearing aids and implementing a few communication strategies, you can pave the way to clearer conversations. To learn more about managing your hearing loss, contact Valley Audiology today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
