It’s movie time, with or without hearing loss. With October’s scary flicks and winter’s Oscar® contenders on the horizon, fall is the perfect time to find yourself at the theater.
For those worried about their hearing difficulty, here are some REM-approved tips that may help you maximize your moviegoing experience.
Tips For You
1. Movie theaters are pretty loud to begin with.
Being able to hear the movie will be a lot easier than trying to understand a conversation with a friend out in the lobby.
2. Pick your seat wisely!
The best seat, according to some experts, is in the center of the row, about 2/3 of the way back from the screen. You’re farther away from the speakers, but you’re also where the sound mix is the clearest.
3. Assistive listening devices can be very useful.
Not only that, but as of this year, theaters must offer them to anyone who needs them: “Under new rules that took effect in the summer, movie theaters must now provide closed captioning and audio description for any digital movie that includes such accessibility features. The services must be provided upon request at a person’s seat.”
If you’re curious about specifics, theater websites often have more information. AMC, for example, has everything from devices to amplify sound to caption readers to audio description/assistive listening technology. Some theaters may even have T-coil connections, allowing your hearing aid to pick up your theater’s audio stream.
Whatever the theater offers, it’s always a good idea to call before you leave to verify availability. Specific devices may differ per location and chain.
4. Watch movies at home!
Some new releases are released on-demand simultaneously to their theatrical window. Most are released shortly thereafter. Gone are the days when you had to wait 8 months to watch a new movie at home.
Home theaters are also getting better and better. There are devices available you may already have that help transmit sound from your system to your aids.
5. Plan your trip for off hours!
Movie theater audiences can be noisy, their sound cutting into the sounds you want to hear. Simply put, fewer people = less distraction.
6. Try not to worry!
Test out different theaters and different times of day, and before you know it, you’ll find your ideal combination.
If you want to make day of it, be sure to check out our blog about hearing in noisy restaurants. Enjoy the movies!