From ballparks to backyard watch parties, here’s how to enjoy summer’s best games with hearing loss in mind.
4 Minute Read
AT A GLANCE:
- Plan Ahead for Venue Accessibility
- Choose Your Seats Thoughtfully
- Protect Your Hearing from Crowd Noise
- Bring the Right Tools
- Host a Hearing-Friendly Watch Party
- Stay Comfortable and Connected
- Make Memories That Last
There is something special about summer sports. The swing of a bat, the excitement of the crowd, the smell of the concession stand, and the shared thrill of watching your favorite team go for the win. Whether you are heading to a Major League ballpark, cheering at a local minor league game, or hosting friends for a big match on TV, summer is the season for gathering around the games you love.
If you have hearing loss, the play-by-play loudspeaker, stadium music, or buzz of conversation around you may prove challenging. With a little planning, you can enjoy every inning, every goal, and every cheer. Here are some simple, practical tips to help you make the most of the season.
Plan Ahead for Venue Accessibility
A little research before game day goes a long way. Many stadiums and arenas offer accessibility services designed to help fans who are hard of hearing, including assistive listening devices, captioned scoreboards, and staff trained to assist. Before you go, check the venue’s website or reach out to their guest services to ask what is available.
Do not be shy about asking in advance. Requesting accommodations is a normal, empowering part of enjoying an event. Many larger venues also provide open captioning on video boards for key announcements, so you never miss an important update.
Choose Your Seats Thoughtfully
Where you sit can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the game. If following the loudspeaker announcements is important to you, look for seats with a clear view of the scoreboard or video display, where visual information is easy to catch. Some fans prefer to sit closer to the action for the energy, while others like being near an accessible entrance or guest services booth for convenience.
If crowd noise feels overwhelming, consider seats a little farther from the loudest sections, such as the outfield bleachers rather than behind home plate. Enjoying the game with a companion who can help fill in any missed announcements can also make the experience more relaxed and fun.
Protect Your Hearing From Crowd Noise
Stadium crowds and sound systems can get surprisingly loud, especially during a big play or a close game, and the National Institutes of Health notes that prolonged exposure to loud noise is one of the most preventable causes of hearing damage. Simple foam earplugs are inexpensive, easy to pack, and can make a long game more comfortable without blocking the excitement of the crowd around you. Hearing protections is worth keeping in mind whether you already manage hearing loss or simply want to protect your hearing further.
Bring the Right Tools
The right gear can transform your game-day experience. If you use hearing aids, make sure they are charged or have fresh batteries, and consider whether they pair with any assistive listening systems the venue offers. Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen will keep you comfortable, while a small notepad or your smartphone can help with quick communication in noisy areas.
If you plan to coordinate rides, tickets, or meetups by phone, a captioned phone lets you read every word of the conversation while you finalize details before the event.
Host a Hearing-Friendly Watch Party
Not every great game happens in person, and there is a lot to love about gathering friends and family at home. When you host, you can ensure the environment works best for everyone. Turn on the closed captions so no one misses the commentary, and position seating so guests can easily see both the screen and each other’s faces for conversation.
Keep background noise to a minimum by lowering competing music and choosing a room with soft furnishings that reduce echo.
Stay Comfortable and Connected
Summer games can mean long hours in the sun, so pace yourself. Drink plenty of water, take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, and plan for the heat. Staying comfortable helps you focus on the fun instead of feeling worn out by the end of the afternoon.
Communication should never feel like a chore either. If you are meeting up with a group or checking in with family or friends back home, determine a reliable way to stay in touch as needed.
Make Memories That Last
At the end of the day, summer sporting events are about connection, excitement, and shared joy. Snap photos with your crew, savor a ballpark snack, and soak in the atmosphere. When you go in with a plan and the right tools, hearing loss simply becomes one more detail you have handled, leaving you free to enjoy every moment.
With a little preparation, the sights, sounds, and spirit of summer sports are yours to enjoy to the fullest.
Game day, sorted:
- Explore CapTel phone models for coordinating tickets, rides, and meetups
- You or someone you know may be eligible to receive a CapTel phone at no cost
- Have questions? Call CapTel at 1-800-233-9130
Keep exploring: More on best assistive listening devices for TV | Visit the CapTel blog | Share this article with a friend
CapTel® is the inventor and technology leader in Captioned Telephones for people with hearing loss. CapTel phones show word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, helping those with hearing loss stay connected with the important people in their lives.
