What? Can’t hear you!

It’s fun to meet friends for lunch or a drink at the end of the work day, but it’s not fun to scream the conversation because the music is loud enough for a rock concert at a stadium.  I typically will ask the server to lower the music and I get that “deer in the headlights” look, as if she’s never gotten that request before.  Half the time they just ignore me, and ask me if I want another drink.  Great customer service, huh?

I thought it was just me and my obsession with “quiet,” but I’m not the only one who has been resorting to reading lips or just smiling and nodding when I don’t have a clue what people are saying.

Of course, I did some research for this rant, and discovered that there is a reason why the music at certain establishments is played at a very high volume.  Management thinks the music will create an energetic atmosphere.

I definitely use more energy trying to yell to whomever I am with so they could hear me.  By the end of the meeting I have given myself a headache and laryngitis. 

By the way, hard surfaces like concrete flooring, chairs with no fabric, bare tables and no sound-absorbing surfaces on the walls and ceilings accentuate the loud, echoing sounds. This is not a secret so, again, the interior decor validates their intentions.

Instead of coupons for a twofer, maybe they should offer specials on hearing tests, and with those pretzels and nuts, a bowl of colorful ear plugs to match your outfit would be great.