PSA: Quiet/Noisy Restaurant Search App

[Gtmochi]

I was reading the New Yorker and came across an article about a new app that lets you search for quiet restaruants and check the decibels (and submit) when you go out to eat! How amazing to be able to choose restaurants that are not too noisy to hear?! It was developed by someone who suffered from Menengitis as a child and has hearing loss. There are not many users now, but I am hoping there will be! The app’s name is SoundPrint and the piece about it is in the October 2018 New Yorker. 

[Patti]

Sounds great! Will it only work in NYC?

[Gtmochi]

Hi! No! I think it works everywhere... it seems like the more people using it and reporting loudness at restaurants, the more helpful the app becomes, sort of like Waze.   For example, only a few restaurants in my neighborhood in LA have been rated for noise. But now I am going to do it when we go out - the more people use it, the better a resource it will become. 

[CHD63]

Hi Gtmochi .....

Thanks so much for calling this new app to our attention.  Those of us who are single side deaf have a passionate desire to maintain the best possible hearing in our "good" ear.  I, for one, really shy away from known noisy restaurants or venues.  I also carry my custom made earplug to put in when caught in a noisy situation.  In other words, I take very careful pains to protect my only hearing ear!

I have downloaded the app and am anxious to begin submitting the decibel levels in restaurants.  I live in a relatively small community so there are only a few places someone has printed before me.

Thanks again!!

Clarice

[Gtmochi]

Hi CHD63! Of course! I saw that and couldn't log on to the ANA forum fast enough  . How handy is that app?! I am going to be feverishly printing too - it's so helpful! I am careful, too - I use earplugs when we go anywhere that might hurt my better ear and agitate the tinnitus in my AN ear. The tinnitus seems to stay calmer when the noice does, too  .

Jessica

[MikeJackson]

That sounds like a really interesting app! It's great to see technology being used to address real-life challenges like hearing loss. I can definitely see how this app would be useful for people looking for a quieter dining experience. It also reminds me of another type of establishment that people might be interested in for a more peaceful atmosphere: kava bars. If you're looking for a kava bar near me, you might be surprised at how many there are. Kava has become more popular in recent years as people look for alternatives to alcohol.

[SP]

I agree-- that app would be great.
It's harder to hear with one ear having a 50% hearing deficit-- and even worse in noisy environments.

Stella