Approximately 15% of U.S. adults report some trouble hearing. Among its many challenges, difficulty discerning speech amidst background noise is a common frustration for people living with hearing loss.
Why Do People With Hearing Loss Struggle With Background Noise?
People with hearing loss often struggle with background noise because they have difficulty distinguishing between different sounds, particularly in noisy environments where multiple sounds are present. Background noise can make it harder for them to focus on and understand speech.
Additionally, trying to filter out background noise and focus on one specific sound requires extra cognitive effort. This increased cognitive load can be tiring and may lead to difficulties in understanding speech, especially for prolonged periods in noisy environments.
How Hearing Aids Can Assist?
Many hearing aids have technology that identifies and amplifies speech while suppressing background chatter. This tech may include directional microphones that automatically adjust focus based on your direction, speech and sound signals. For example, if you’re sitting in the Odd Duck on a busy Friday night, chatting with a friend across the table, your hearing aids work to amplify your friend’s speech while suppressing background noise.
In addition to suppressing background noise, hearing aids help reduce your cognitive load, leaving you with more energy to communicate and enjoy your nights out with friends.
While hearing aids can significantly improve your ability to grasp speech amidst competing noise, they may not eliminate all background noise without affecting speech volume. In such cases, employing communication strategies can help compensate for the gap.
Effective Communication Strategies
Effective communication strategies are instrumental, particularly in bustling settings. For better communication, directly face the speaker and ask clarifying questions when necessary. Facing the speaker will allow you to watch lip movements, facial expressions and body language. Asking clarifying questions will help you clear up any confusion and let the speaker know you care about what they have to say.
By wearing hearing aids and implementing effective communication strategies, you can pave the way for clearer conversations, even amidst background noise. To learn more about managing your hearing loss, contact Austin Auditory Specialists today to make an appointment with one of our specialists.