I identify fully with this. In some noisy social settings it's just not possible for us to hear well, even with our wonderful cochlear implants. It's time to sit back, breathe, and relax, and if possible, carry on conversation one on one when we can with someone near us. Even that's hard.

I use the mini mic that works with my CI processor all the time and find it to be very helpful in those settings. Still, it's a reality that I cannot participate fluidly in a situation where everyone is talking at the same time. Restaurants with a group are very difficult. My favorite social 'group' is three people because there can be only one conversation going on at a time. 🙂 Add that 4th person and it gets harder....but still a lot easier than a larger group at a long table.

Are you using assistive devices with your CI processor?