In the same vein, I eschew restaurants that are so noisy that I can't hear what the server, or Mrs. Fredd, or even I myself are saying. I also recognize as we get older that noise is generally more bothersome even as our hearing declines.

To give a specific example, a few years ago we dined at CinCin in Vancouver, BC, a well-regarded restaurant. It was plenty bright but way too loud for our tastes.