Its all about tactics
A number of tactics to help minimise the confusing affect of background noise are mentioned. You have probably developed some tactics of your own. Remember that you can't expect to hear everything that is said - nobody does, but you may be able to improve your ability to hear by trying some of these tactics.
In each of the following situations a few tactics are outlined. Can you add to them?
At parties
Of course, avoid noisy areas like the middle of the room, near the kitchen and close to music. Choose a quiet corner and perhaps a smaller group of people. You may be able to find a good speaker to concentrate on. Alternatively, handing around food and drinks helps a person to circulate.
At meetings
It is useful to have a copy of the agenda first. Sitting next to someone who is willing to let you use his notes can also help.
Do you always position yourself to get the best vantage of the chairperson or main speaker at the meeting? Letting the committee know of your hearing difficulties and informing them how they can help to minimise these difficulties can also be of assistance. You may like to try out one
of the special aids discussed elsewhere.
At lectures
Find the best position to sit. Try the second or third row where you get a clear sound - it is good for speech reading and you can "tune in" to the visual clues of the people in the row in front.
At home
You can control the environment at home by:
- Using soft furnishings, carpets, heavy curtains and wall hangings to minimise unwanted background noise.
- Placing foam under the tablecloth helps reduce 'dining room' noise.
- Carefully positioning family members around table when dining to best suit your hearing loss.
- Having adequate lighting in proper places.
- Arranging background noise e.g. records, TV to be kept at a minimum volume when not actually being listened to.
- Educating your family about the problems background noise can cause and how they can assist in 'controlling' it.
- If street noise causes difficulty, a solid high wall, shrubs and trees in the garden or 'double glazing' of windows may help reduce it.
At the theatre
Find out about the theatre before you go:
- Where are the best positions to get good acoustics and vision?
- Are there any special aids provided for people with hearing difficulties at the particular theatre/cinema?
- Find out as much about the plot before you go - so you are already 'tuned in'. Small live theatres often have better sound and are situated closer to the stage for better visual information. Be prepared to go several times to a good play if necessary - it's worth it. Also be prepared to miss out some of the dialogue - 'let go' and enjoy all that you can get.
- Rest before you go - you will probably need to concentrate.
Parties at home
Decide the number of people that you can handle comfortably. If you are dining, arrange guests around the table to best suit your hearing loss. Arrange lighting so you can see clearly.
General tactics
Explain your loss to people and tell them how they might help you minimise difficulties. Let them know when they have helped you. People need to be aware of the right things they do. Asking for repeats creatively is one way of achieving these goals. (e.g. "I'm interested in what you're saying, but I need to see your lips clearly.") Don't expect to hear everything. Try initiating conversation - introduce a topic for discussion. Useful questions, which require yes or no answers or which require the speaker to repeat only the parts of a conversation that you have missed, are worth trying.
For example: "Where did you say you are going after work tomorrow?" is often better than "What did you say?" Ask for the exact information you require, rather than whole statements. As well as using tactics, you may also like to investigate special aids. Click here for more detailed information about coping with hearing loss.
Special aids
- Induction loops are sometimes installed in buildings, churches and theatres. If you wear a hearing aid with a telecoil facility ('T' switch) you may get a clearer sound using these loop systems.
- There are other sound systems used in buildings. For example, some churches and cinemas have earphones available.
- For meetings, a committee aid may prove helpful. A committee aid consists of a central microphone connected to an amplifier and then to either a special induction loop or an earphone. It may improve the sound quality of speech in the meeting room.
- In a car, you might investigate a microphone connected to an earpiece to make conversation easier to follow above the background noise.
- Some modern hearing aids have a facility for a hand-held or clip microphone to be attached - this gives a very clear sound. Perhaps the microphone could be passed from speaker to speaker during conversation.
- A body aid can also be passed around in a similar fashion at meetings and in a car to improve speech reception.
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