If you are experiencing hearing loss, you’re not alone. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that “One in eight people in the United States (13 percent, or 30 million) aged 12 years or older has hearing loss in both ears.”
But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great, romantic time with your partner. Below we review tips to have the best date with hearing loss.
Make a Dinner Reservation
One of the more popular date options is to go out for dinner. If this is your plan, we recommend being intentional about it. First of all, consider going out for breakfast or lunch instead, when it’s less busy. If this isn’t an option, try to make your dinner reservation outside of rush hours, like before 5 p.m. or after 7 p.m. In addition, you should be mindful of where you’re going. Choose a smaller restaurant with softer surfaces, and when you’re there, request a table in the corner, away from the kitchen and waiter’s station. You can always make a romantic dinner at home, alternatively.
Plan a Trip
Instead of planning a single evening out, you can make it a full weekend. Some options include reserving a cabin out in nature or a room at a resort in the city. However, you should consider what will be the best possible listening environment. Maybe the cabin will have some peaceful walking trails nearby, but maybe the resort will have a relaxing spa. Check with the place you’re staying to see what accommodations they offer for people with hearing loss.
Bring Your Hearing Aids & Supplies
Whatever you choose to do, make sure you’re wearing your hearing aids and have any necessary supplies with you, such as extra batteries, a battery caddy, a cleaning kit, a dehumidifier, etc.
See Your Audiologist
If it has been more than a year since your last visit with an audiologist, schedule a follow-up. An audiologist can re-test your hearing to see if it has changed and reprogram your hearing aids accordingly, so you can hear your best.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Western Montana Hearing and Speech today.