I share the same trait. Thought I was going deaf as I couldn’t hear people talking at crowded places but my hearing tests always return ok. Great to know I’m not alone at this.

I’m not from the US but I visit often and could not understand this trend of party restaurants where you eat at club level sound blasting all around you. It’s the worst of both worlds, since you can’t talk with the loud music nor can dance since you’re sitting down.

Paraphrasing the great Donald Glover, I’m too old for this $hit!