Going for dinner on the Danforth? Grabbing a bite in Kensington Market? Or better yet, a food-filled celebration at home? Sharing a meal is just as much about the food as it is the conversation. For someone experiencing hearing loss, though, the conversation might be difficult to decode.
According to Statistics Canada, hearing loss is increasingly common, perhaps more than most Canadians realize. A 2022 report found that 5.6% of Canadians aged 15 and older (more than 1.6 million people) live with a diagnosed hearing disability. Of Canadians 65 and older, that statistic increases significantly to 13.6%.
Why Noisy Meals Can Make Conversation Difficult
Part of Toronto’s charm is its liveliness. Yet, that liveliness can have a tiresome effect. Health Canada notes that a normal conversation in a quiet room is about 60 decibels (dB). For every decibel above that, even people with mild hearing difficulties can miss parts of conversations, asking others to repeat themselves or withdrawing completely.
Relationships thrive on communication. When that becomes harder for one person, a few thoughtful adjustments can help keep everyone engaged.
Simple Ways to Make Mealtimes More Hearing-Friendly
Toronto knows the importance of managing noise. The City of Toronto’s Noise By-law sets limits on certain amplified sounds, including speakers from restaurants, bars and nightclubs. At the dinner table, hosts can take their own simple steps to create a more comfortable listening environment:
- Turn down background music or the television.
- Consider seating guests with hearing difficulties where they can clearly see other people’s faces.
- Place guests in areas with good lighting, where visual cues are easier to follow.
- Limit simultaneous conversations when ordering to make it easier to keep track of who is speaking.
- Repeat or rephrase a comment if someone missed it, rather than moving on to the next point.
Making conversation also helps people remain engaged. Research examining hearing interventions among older adults found that hearing devices and auditory rehabilitation improved loneliness and social participation. This highlights the broader role hearing can play in maintaining mental health, connection, and social engagement.
Closing Thoughts
If following conversations is becoming difficult across different settings, rather than only at Toronto’s busiest restaurants, consider having your hearing assessed. Everyone’s hearing needs, lifestyle and listening environments are different, which is why personalized hearing care and ongoing after-care can help identify and support individual needs.
Whether it’s brunch on Ossington or dinner around the family table, nobody wants to miss the best part of the evening: being part of the conversation.
Disclaimer: This is not professional medical advice. Please consult a hearing care professional to address your unique needs.
About the author
Katie Koebel, M.Cl.Sc., Reg. CASLPO is an audiologist and Senior Manager of Audiology at HearingLife, Canada’s largest group of hearing centres with over 350 locations across the country. HearingLife clinics use the most advanced hearing aid technology, clinical support, and diagnostic equipment. Katie is an Audiologist registered with CASLPO and has been providing her clients with the best possible hearing health care with HearingLife for over 17 years.
If you’re at high risk of hearing damage, it is advisable to have your hearing checked regularly and advocate for proper hearing protection in your workplace. For more information on different types of hearing loss and educational resources, visit a hearing clinic near you.