How to help yourself hear better with background noise
Does background noise stop you hearing properly?
Do you find that several conversations going on at the same time interfere with each other, so that you can't really understand what anyone is saying? Do you find background noise tiring? Are you not always sure of the direction of a sound? If any of these apply to you, read on:
All these problems are due to a form of hearing loss. So before trying to cope, you need to understand more of the cause. So first read the page about loss of directional hearing.
How to help yourself
I have found the following tips help with my loss of directional hearing, and I offer them in the hope that they may help you too.
- Positioning is important where lots of people are talking at the same time. With my hearing problems, I seem to find background noise and other people's conversations somewhat more bearable when they are in front of me rather than behind me and when they are not reflected directly back at me from a nearby wall. So when indoors, the edge of a gathering is preferable to the midst of it. With my back to an open door or archway is better still. Outdoor gatherings are ideal. Then I can move between small widely spaced groups.
- Stake out an indoor venue in advance. A few minutes is usually enough. While everyone else is in a cloakroom or having a drink, I always find out where the dining area is and 'reserve' a suitable seat by putting a jacket or whatever on it.
- If seating places are likely to be allocated in advance, I have a word with the host or venue manager in advance to ensure a suitable place. I have never found any response less than helpful or pleasant in this respect.
- If the background noise is likely to be very bad, it is worth
locating a quiet room or corridor to retire to at intervals to
recover - as coping with background noise is extremely tiring for
someone with unbalanced hearing. Depending on the venue this too can
involve a few words in advance with the venue's manager.
More on problems with background noise
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for a lay audience and I cannot be responsible for errors or omissions. The views, strategies, advice and suggestions etc are based on my personal experience and are not necessarily appropriate for anyone else. They should, hopefully, stimulate individuals to develop their own strategies.