Top 5 date spots for couples with hearing loss

My boyfriend and I both have hearing loss. I’ve talked about dating with hearing loss in the past – the pros, the challenges, how it’s different than maybe being in a “hearing” relationship – but now, after being in the relationship for three years, I’ve found a few things that make it easier. For example: choosing the right date spots for couples with hearing loss. 

If your partner has hearing loss, it’s important that when choosing somewhere to go on a date, each person is comfortable in the location. There’s no point in going somewhere noisy, busy or complicated, as it brings many more challenges to those with a hearing loss. A date is meant to be time spent getting to know the other person, while having fun. With background noise, or too many people or distractions, your partner with hearing loss will have a difficult time enjoying the experience.

My deaf boyfriend and I do, however, have some favorite spots we like to spend time together. 

Here are our top 5 date spots for couples with hearing loss!

1. Picnic in a park, stroll along a river or a wander around a lake

Enjoy a tranquil walk around a scenic park or river. This is a perfect opportunity to get to know your date, in a quiet area with beautiful scenery. Make the location even more romantic by having a picnic or just find a nice bench to sit on and talk. Recently, my boyfriend and I walked down to the local duck pond and had a picnic! It was nice enjoying each other’s company and the wildlife gave us plenty to talk about. We find just being in nature is a great conversation builder.

2. A quiet bar or restaurant

Research beforehand into quiet bars or restaurants near you, with small rooms with good lighting or acoustics. This gives you the opportunity to have a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying a conversation with your date.

Noisy restaurants are a dating pet-peeve of mine! In the UK, we have Action on Hearing Loss’ new campaign ‘Speak Easy’, to encourage quieter dining experiences. I’m hoping that noisy restaurants will soon be a thing of the past! But until this happens, it’s important to research into where you will be going to eat. There’s no point in going somewhere dark and noisy and not being able to understand one another. One time when my boyfriend and I did end up at such a restaurant, we had to use our phone light to lipread each other! 

3. Mini-golf

Mini-golf, or pitch and putt, is a simple, easy sport that is perfect for a couple with hearing loss. You don’t get too far away from each other when playing, so it’s still possible to talk and hear one another. It is also a great activity to bring out some competitiveness in each other! We love playing mini golf and I’m sure you and your partner would too!

4. A quiet night at home

This may be the most obvious choice, but there are many ways to make it fun. Why not dress up smart, cook a meal, or order a takeaway while watching a movie? You can also play board games to bring out the competitiveness in each other. The home is a perfect place for a date because you can usually control the noise levels and make it as romantic or fun as you’d like. 

5. Aquariums/Museums

The aquarium is a favorite date spot for my boyfriend and me. They are so vibrant and visual with many wonderful sea creatures to watch. It’s also usually quite – as are other museums. Why not check out what’s in your area and learn or experience something new with your partner!

• Author Details

Author Details

Ellie Parfitt

Ellie was born profoundly deaf, uses verbal communication, lipreads and wears Phonak Sky Q hearing aids. She is currently learning British Sign Language. Ellie hasn’t let her disability stand in the way and embraces every new challenge. Her deafness didn’t prevent her from achieving major accomplishments in her life, such as excelling in her education, previously working as a Marketing Executive and now as an Events Coordinator for a deaf organization, as well as blogging for Hearing Like Me. She is passionate about deaf awareness, campaigning for equality and helping others through her personal blog as Deafie Blogger.