03/20/2026
👂 ASK THE PROVIDER – This Week’s Topic! BY Dr. Haasch
😮 The WOW face wins this week’s poll!
You voted—and this week’s question is:
😮 Why is hearing so much harder in restaurants or crowded places?
We didn’t get a chance to capture a video with Dr. Haasch this week (she’s been a busy lady! 😊), but she took the time to educate our team....and we’re excited to share her insights with you!
🔊 Why is it so difficult to hear in noisy places?
It’s not just your ears.....it’s your brain doing some very complex work behind the scenes!
Here’s what’s really happening:
🧠 Your brain has to sort sound like a filter
In quiet settings, this is easy. But in noisy places, your brain has to decide:
👉 “What do I listen to?”
👉 “What do I ignore?”
This is called speech-in-noise processing, and it becomes harder as we age or if there’s hearing loss.
🎧 All sounds mix together
In restaurants, sound bounces off hard surfaces like walls, floors, and tables**, creating:
Echoes
Overlapping voices
Background noise
Instead of clear speech, your ears pick up a blended mix of sound.
👂 You may hear....but not understand
Many patients say:
“I can hear people talking, but I can’t understand them.”
That’s because:
Clarity sounds (like s, f, t, k) are softer and higher-pitched
These are the first sounds to get lost in noise
Missing these pieces makes speech sound unclear or jumbled
⚡ Your brain gets tired
Your brain works overtime trying to “fill in the blanks,” which can lead to:
Listening fatigue
Frustration
Wanting to withdraw from conversations
👥 Too many voices at once
Your brain has to focus on one speaker while ignoring others—and that’s incredibly difficult in busy environments.
💡 Tips & Tricks to Hear Better in Noisy Places
✔️ Pick your seat wisely
Sit with your back to a wall and face the group.
✔️ Go during quieter times
Less noise = easier listening.
✔️ Watch the speaker
Facial cues help your brain understand speech.
✔️ Reduce background noise when possible
Ask for quieter seating or lower music.
✔️ Use hearing technology
Hearing aids can help focus on speech and reduce noise.
✔️ Speak up for yourself
It’s okay to ask others to repeat or speak clearly!
💬 You’re not alone!
If noisy places feel overwhelming, there’s a reason—and we’re here to help.
📍 Medical Hearing Associates
1442 N. 31st Street, Sheboygan
📞 920-458-3277
🎥 Stay tuned for next week’s Provider Talk topic!
