Staying Connected: How to Improve Communication in Noisy Summer Environments

Summer is a season filled with excitement, bringing fun outdoor festivals, bustling airports, lively restaurants, and heartwarming family gatherings. While these events are joyous, the noise they generate can pose significant challenges, especially for individuals with hearing loss. Effective communication in these environments is crucial to fully enjoying the summer festivities. Here are some strategies to help you stay connected amidst the noise.

Strategies for Better Communication

• Use Assistive Listening Devices: Modern technology offers a range of devices designed to improve hearing in noisy environments. Hearing aids with directional microphones can help focus on the sounds in front of you while reducing background noise, this can also be adjusted in most cell phone applications. Portable amplifiers can also be useful in enhancing speech clarity.
• Find a Quiet Spot: Whenever possible, choose a quieter area for conversations. At outdoor festivals, move away from speakers or stages. In restaurants, request a table in a quieter section. Positioning yourself strategically can significantly reduce background noise interference.
• Face-to-Face Communication: Visual cues play a vital role in understanding speech. Face the person you’re speaking with and maintain eye contact. This allows you to read lips and observe facial expressions, which can greatly enhance comprehension.
• Use Clear Speech Techniques: Encourage friends and family to speak clearly and at a moderate pace. It’s helpful to remind them to avoid shouting, as this can distort speech. Instead, ask them to enunciate their words more distinctly.
• Use Non-Verbal Communication: Gestures, body language, and written notes can bridge communication gaps. In noisy settings, a quick text message or note can be an effective way to convey important information without struggling to hear.
• Leverage Technology: Smartphone apps designed for people with hearing loss can transcribe speech in real-time.
• Plan Ahead: Before attending events, familiarize yourself with the venue. Look for quieter areas and consider informing event organizers about your hearing needs. Many public places offer hearing assistive services if requested in advance.

As you prepare for the vibrant summer season, don’t forget to prioritize your hearing health. Scheduling a comprehensive hearing evaluation before all of the summer fun begins can make a world of difference. A professional assessment will help determine the best solutions to support your hearing needs so you don’t miss out on a thing!

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Quick & Easy Pasta Salad

Beat the heat this summer with this cool, refreshing pasta salad! Whip this up and enjoy at barbecues, poolside or at home with loved ones.

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked pasta
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese balls, cut in half
• 1 lb. salami or summer sausage, cut into cubes
• 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 3/4 cup pepperoncini (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Italian Pasta Salad Dressing Ingredients

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup white vinegar (white vinegar or red wine vinegar work)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1–2 tablespoons coarse sea salt 
• 2 cloves garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons each dry oregano and dry basil
• black pepper to taste
• fresh herbs to taste

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, in salted water for more flavor. Allow to cool slightly and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Blend up the dressing, or shake together in a jar.
3. Toss all ingredients together! I like to use about three-fourths of the dressing, and then I save the rest of the dressing to add to my leftovers.
4. Keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. The dressing will continue to marinate the salad so it gets more delicious every day.

Recipe courtesy of Pinch of Yum.