“It’s just too noisy,” is the most common complaint on many restaurant surveys and reviews. And that’s from people with normal hearing! Have restaurants gotten noisier? Yes, they have. Along with movies, television shows and the world in general, restaurants have become noisier than ever. The background noise includes music, the clatter of silverware and dishes, and more recently, the blaring sound of television sets in the dining area. The other major source of noise is the voices of other diners who talk loudly because they can’t hear each other. Changes in restaurant décor are also a factor. Sound absorbing carpets, drapes and tablecloths have been replaced with bare walls, tables and floors that reflect noise back into the room. There are several steps you can take to cope with noisy restaurants: -Choose your location Ask to be seated in a quiet area. -Limit the size of your group. Dining with two or three others is much easier than dining with a large group. -Order from the menu. Or ask to see a written list of any specials. It can be very challenging to understand when the waiter or waitress quickly presents a long list of specialty items. -Turn it down. If loud music is playing, ask the manager or server if the music can be turned down. Other diners will thank you! When do you need to see an audiologist? 1. Do family members complain about having to speak louder or repeat themselves? 2. Do many of your friends seem to mumble? 3. Do people complain that you have the TV too loud? 4. Do you frequently have difficulty hearing in restaurants? 5. Do you sometimes feel frustrated or embarrassed by a hearing problem? A “yes” answer to ANY of these questions indicates a need for audiologic evaluation. Give us a call today!