Have you ever gone out for dinner, only to find yourself yelling across the table to your companion? Or, you've planned a quiet catch-up with a friend, but quickly discover the local watering hole you've chosen transforms into an ear-shattering cavern after 8pm.

Many people have trouble conversing in cafes and restaurants because noise levels are increasing – design elements, coffee machines, music, and clattering dishes all contribute to the din.

Tauranga Hearing Association resource co-ordinator Jo Sykes says while many food and beverage establishments think they need hustle and bustle to give the impression of a lively or successful business, they are oblivious to the fact they may be losing customers.

'One of the biggest complaints by the hearing impaired is the background noise at these places – they cannot communicate in a large group when there are other distractions.”

In an attempt to promote change in the Bay, the association has teamed up with the Acoustical Society of New Zealand, and is encouraging diners to rate their experiences using CRAI: the Café and Restaurant Acoustic Index.

'It's aimed to be a positive thing. Some restaurants and cafes want to be seen to be a noisy, lively place, and that's fine, while others are designed to have a different ambience, a more intimate setting, so it's good to identify which category it falls under so diners can make an informed choice – whether they are looking for a romantic spot for two or a group night out.”

Developed by Christchurch acousticengineerStuart Camp, the CRAI system works like a restaurant review – for sound. Using a five-star rating, diners assess factors such as how busy the location was, at what level the music was playing, and if the noise affected the experience.

To date, only three places in the Bay have been rated, and Jo believes it's time to increase those figures to help give diners the choice.

'Stuart developed CRAI to help establishments, and also help people relate better to establishments.”

Jo hopes that rated businesses will want to use this as an opportunity to improve acoustics, or create an area designed for the hearing impaired working alongside Stuart. He has a number of easy tricks and tips to make the dining experience more sound friendly – such as carpet in areas or sound barriers.

Rating forms can be downloaded from the Acoustical Society of New Zealand website, acoustics.org.nz, or picked up from Tauranga Hearing Association, 1342 Cameron Road, Greerton. Completed forms can then be returned to the above address or to The Weekend Sun offices at No 1 The Strand.

If any cafes or restaurants in the Bay of Plenty area would like to participate in a ‘before and after' assessment with Stuart and the Tauranga Hearing Association, please contact Jo on 07 578 6476.