How to Have Better Conversations With Hearing Aids (Even in Noisy Places)
So you’ve started wearing hearing aids—and maybe things sound clearer in quiet rooms. But put you in a busy restaurant or a noisy family dinner, and suddenly you’re lost again.
This is one of the most common frustrations new users face.
The good news? There are things you can do to hear better in conversation, even in challenging environments.
Here are some tried-and-true tips from both professionals and longtime users:
🎯 Position yourself with intention:
Sit with your back to a wall (to reduce noise behind you).
Face the person you’re speaking with.
In group settings, try to stay near the center—not the edges.
🧠 Train your brain with active listening:
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat or rephrase.
Focus on body language and lip movement.
Avoid multitasking while listening in noise—your brain needs to concentrate.
📱 Use the tools at your disposal:
Many hearing aids have “restaurant” or “speech in noise” modes.
Bluetooth-connected aids can stream directly from phones or mics.
Ask your provider about remote microphones—tiny clip-ons that make a big difference.
🤝 And most importantly—let people know:
A simple, “I’m wearing new hearing aids—can you speak up just a bit?” is almost always met with kindness.
These tips—and more—are broken down inside The Hearing Aid Handbook. If you’re trying to live fully with hearing aids, this guide is here to help you feel less frustrated and more confident.
If it helped you, I’d love for you to leave a review on Amazon—your words might encourage someone else to stick with it.
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