I test as slightly hearing-impaired and have been diagnosed with a particular hearing problem that is likely to get worse, but I've got a feeling my main challenge is perceptual rather than physical, if that makes sense. I have a lot of trouble filtering out background sound, whether it's speaking or music or a fan. Background sound *behind me* is worst. Having gotten better at identifying my problem to myself, I've become a little better at identifying it to other people and asking for changes. As a conflict-averse person, it's easier for me to say "I have a problem with background noise" than to say "You are too loud." But I still get frustrated.

Also, after hanging out earlier in the weekend with someone who lipreads very well, I kind of forgot that speaking quietly but enunciating well wasn't going to work for trying to talk to you over the music, the waiter, and the other patrons, when you were tired. Sorry about that!