A heaping serving of helpful ideas to help you enjoy your night out.
Dining out is a staple in American culture. In fact, a reported 6 in 10 Americans chose to eat at a restaurant at least once in the past week. Whether you’re a frequent diner or simply like a treat now and then, chances are that you like to savor more than the food on the menu – you also want a pleasurable experience. We’re serving up seven tips for dining out with hearing loss that can make your night out more enjoyable:
- Check online reviews
- Make reservations
- Sit in a well-lit location
- Avoid the crowds
- Ask for a written list of specials
- Request low music volume
- Ask your friends for recommendations
Feeling hungry for more? Dig into each of these ideas for enjoying a pleasant evening.
1. Check online reviews
If you’re thinking about trying a new hot spot in town, check online reviews on sites like Yelp before you go. Opinions from other diners can not only inform you of the quality of the food and service, but also provide insight about the environment. Avoid dining at restaurants with reviews that mention a loud or bustling atmosphere. Instead, search for one where patrons found the setting conducive to conversation.
2. Make reservations
Contact the restaurant in advance to request a table with minimal noise distractions. If you are comfortable, inform the host or hostess that you have hearing loss and make a special request to be seated in a location that is further removed from excess noise, such as a corner booth or outdoor patio.
3. Sit in a well-lit location
If you read lips and facial expressions, avoid sitting in an area with dim lighting or window glares that can make it challenging to see and respond to your dinner companions.
4. Avoid the crowds
Strategically choosing to dine during off-peak hours, typically before 5:00 or after 8:00, can minimize the chances of a crowded and noisy restaurant – you may also enjoy the added perk of discounted “early bird” specials.
5. Ask for a written list of specials
Many restaurants feature daily chef’s specials that the servers read aloud at your table. If you’re having trouble hearing them, don’t hesitate to ask for a written list.
6. Request lower music volume
In some restaurants, servers or the host/hostess have control over the volume of the background music. If it’s too loud to hear your dining companions, feel free to request a lower volume.
7. Ask your friends for recommendations
If you have friends and family members that value quiet restaurants, reach out to ask them for recommendations. They may inform you of a tranquil hidden gem that you’ve never tried.
If you’re craving an enjoyable night on the town, bookmark these tips for dining out with hearing loss today. For more articles on hearing loss, visit our CapTel blog archive here.
Check out more ideas about how to have an enjoyable night on the town with hearing loss here.
