Do you struggle to hear across the dinner table and at social events? Is “what?” a common part of your vernacular, or are you overly familiar with the ol’ ”?

You’re not alone. Large  gatherings, particularly around a dining table or in a noisy venue, are usually the most difficult for people with hearing loss.

Take the strain out of listening by doing some of the following:

• Use your eyes to read lips, expressions and gauge tonal intent. Sit where you can see people well.
• Pick the seat best suited to your hearing ability. Seat yourself so that most people are on your better side.
• Sit next to a person you have the least difficulty hearing. Beards and moustaches are difficult, as are those who cradle their face in their hand, obscuring their mouth.
• If possible, ask the host to turn down any background noise such as music or television, and strike up conversation with someone with a sense of patience.
• You may not be able to hear the conversation with many people talking and laughing at once. Content yourself with speaking with the people either side of you.
• Try not to sit facing a window as the glare can make it difficult to see faces.
• If you miss something, try to ask for the part you missed; rather than saying “what?”, repeat the part you heard.
• If possible, offer to help out in the kitchen to get away from the dining table. But don’t wash the dishes or you’ll have your back to everyone. Offer to dry the dishes, put food away, or just keep everyone company.

Have I missed anything? Share your tried and true techniques below!