Your strategic choice of seats in restaurants, planes, and buses could be the key to preserving your hearing for years to come, potentially saving you from joining the millions of Americans suffering from preventable hearing loss.

At a Glance

• Nearly 25% of people aged 65-74 and 50% of those 75+ experience disabling hearing loss, with about 40 million Americans affected overall
• Strategic seating in restaurants (away from speakers and kitchen areas), airplanes (front and center sections), and buses (front seats) can significantly reduce noise exposure
• Choose restaurants with sound-absorbing features like carpeting, draperies, and booths rather than hard surfaces
• Timing matters: dining during off-peak hours substantially reduces background noise levels
• Don’t hesitate to inform servers and transportation staff about hearing challenges for better accommodation

Understanding the Scope of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss affects approximately 15% of American adults—about 40 million people—and the numbers increase dramatically with age. Nearly one-quarter of those between 65 and 74 years old experience disabling hearing loss, rising to half of all people aged 75 and older. Perhaps more concerning is that an estimated 28.8 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids but many don’t use them, either due to stigma, cost concerns, or simply being unaware of how much their hearing has deteriorated over time.

While many factors contribute to hearing loss, including age-related changes (presbycusis), ear infections, head injuries, certain medications, and diseases like diabetes, one significant factor within our control is exposure to environmental noise. This is where strategic seating choices in public spaces become an essential yet often overlooked preventative measure that can be integrated into daily routines without disrupting normal activities.

Restaurant Seating Strategies for Better Hearing

Restaurants present particular challenges for those concerned about noise exposure or already experiencing hearing difficulties. Modern restaurant design often favors aesthetically pleasing hard surfaces like exposed brick, concrete floors, and high ceilings that unfortunately create acoustic nightmares. When choosing where to dine, look for establishments with sound-absorbing elements such as carpeting, draperies, tablecloths, upholstered seating, and plants that help dampen sound reflection.

Once inside a restaurant, request a booth rather than an open table whenever possible, as the high backs of booths create a partial sound barrier. Position yourself with your back to the main dining area to reduce background noise coming from behind. Most importantly, avoid sitting near speakers, open kitchen areas, bar sections, or high-traffic pathways where servers constantly move. Corner tables typically offer the best acoustic environment, especially when you can position yourself with walls on two sides.

Airplane Seating for Noise Reduction

Aircraft cabins can generate noise levels between 85-100 decibels during flight—comparable to standing next to a lawnmower for hours. This constant exposure not only damages hearing over time but can also increase stress and fatigue. When booking flights, prioritize seats toward the front of the aircraft and away from the engines. On most commercial planes, the engines are mounted under the wings, making the noisiest areas those directly adjacent to and behind the wings.

The quietest seats are typically those in first or business class due to their forward location and superior sound insulation. If those aren’t options, aim for seats in the forward economy section, preferably in the center of the aircraft rather than by the windows where noise from air rushing past can be more pronounced. Avoid the last few rows at all costs—these are not only closest to the rear-mounted auxiliary power units but often adjacent to galleys and lavatories, creating additional noise disturbances throughout the flight.

Bus Travel and Public Transportation Considerations

On buses, the engine location dictates noise exposure patterns. In traditional designs with the engine at the rear, seats toward the front offer significantly quieter experiences. For buses with engines mounted in the front, middle seats provide the best noise reduction. Urban buses that make frequent stops create additional noise from doors opening, announcement systems, and passenger movement, so positioning yourself away from these high-activity areas can make a substantial difference in your overall exposure.

For all forms of public transportation, consider using assistive listening devices if you already experience hearing difficulties. Many modern hearing aids include settings specifically designed for travel situations that can filter out background noise while enhancing important sounds like announcements. Don’t hesitate to inform transportation staff about your hearing needs—most are trained to provide appropriate assistance when made aware of passengers with hearing challenges.

Additional Protective Measures for Long-Term Hearing Health

Beyond strategic seating, consider carrying high-quality earplugs for unexpectedly noisy situations. Unlike foam varieties that block all sound indiscriminately, acoustic earplugs are designed to reduce volume while maintaining sound clarity. For those already experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss, even consumer technologies like Apple AirPods Pro 2 offer hearing assistance features that can help in challenging acoustic environments before investing in traditional hearing aids.

Remember that hearing protection isn’t just for obviously loud environments like concerts or construction sites. The cumulative effect of everyday noise exposure in restaurants, during travel, and in other public spaces can gradually damage hearing over decades. By making intentional seating choices part of your routine, you’re taking a simple yet effective step toward preserving one of your most valuable senses for years to come.