Trouble hearing with background noise is widespread, but it’s made worse by hearing loss. If you find yourself in a crowded restaurant or noisy party, you can easily miss parts of the conversation and feel frustrated. Luckily, there are a few adjustments you can make to help yourself stay connected to the discussion and those around you.
Many people have trouble hearing with background noise, but hearing loss makes it much harder. When there’s a lot of background noise, the ear has to work even harder to process and transmit sound. Those with hearing loss have fewer working nerve cells in the ear. In a noisy environment, it’s harder for the brain to get all the signals it needs for optimal comprehension.
If you’re in a loud space, these steps can mitigate interference to your hearing.
Be honest about your needs. Some people struggle to talk about hearing loss, but telling others what you need improves the situation; after all, loved ones want you to join in. And, in a loud environment, chances are you’re not the only one struggling to hear everything.
Move away from the noise. One of the best things you can do is move away from the noise. When you make a reservation at a restaurant, request a table off to the side or away from big sources of sound. If someone is having a loud conversation right next to you, take a few steps away. Giving yourself a bit of space can make a big difference!
Ask about turning it down. If you can, see about turning down the background noise, especially if it’s loud music. Often, places will be amenable to the suggestion.
Seek out quieter spaces. See if there’s a less-populated place nearby that’s calmer and quieter. Rooms with carpet and soft furniture can help soak in ambient sound, making it easier to hear and process what’s being said.
Rely on light. Visual cues help bridge the gap only if you can see them. Look for well-lit spaces so you can use lip movements, body language, and facial expressions to understand the person talking. Directly face them to make the most of visual cues.
Try hearing aids. Having trouble hearing with background noise can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you want to know what’s going on. And today, too many Americans recognize that they have trouble hearing but aren’t ready to turn to hearing aids. But hearing aids can drastically improve your hearing abilities, even in loud environments. At SoundGate Hearing, we can help you find hearing aids that fit your lifestyle, improving your daily life.
“Hearing aid users wait, on average, 10 years before getting help for hearing loss.”
– Johns Hopkins University.1
If hearing loss is getting in the way of everyday life, visit us for a non-invasive and thorough hearing consultation. At SoundGate Hearing, our team of audiologists will perform hearing tests that give us a detailed understanding of your needs. Then, we’ll talk you through how to choose hearing aids that are right for your circumstances and lifestyle.
Don’t let a decade go by before addressing hearing loss. Take steps to improve your hearing abilities and stay connected to the ones you love. You’ll be thankful that you did.
Until next time,
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.