Background noise often produces complaints among hearing-aid users. With the use of new digital technology, hearing-aid users are usually complaining about the presence of background noise and not about understanding speech in noise.

The processors in the best hearing aids can identify steady state background sounds like fans, machinery, road noise of the hubbub of a crowd. The noise is then turned down without effecting speech. This is a big deal! It is important to remember, we are not trying to control noise. We are trying to enhance speech intelligibility. Another use of technology to help hearing aid users in the presence of background noise is directional microphones. This technology uses two microphones to cut out sounds that come from the back and sides. This can be very useful in restaurants, movies, church or any other situation when you only care to hear what is in front of you.

Even with the best technology there are still some practical ideas that hearing aid users can implement when in the presence of background noise. Move closer to the speaker, if possible, this will increase the volume of the speakers voice without increasing the background noise. Look at the speaker when they are talking. Not only is this polite it allows you to do some lip-reading. Everyone, even normal hearing listeners, lip-read. Reduce background noise as much as you can, e.g. turn the TV, radio or car A/C fan down while carrying on a conversation. Try not to carry on an important conversation in the kitchen when the dishwasher or microwave are working. Think of the noise in your environment and try to reduce it as much as possible while carrying on a conversation. Sometimes telling the person you are talking to that you have problems hearing them in noise and suggesting the conversation move to a quieter location is beneficial to both of you.