Solutions for the Gourmand with Hearing Loss

Because hearing loss can interfere with a person’s ability to understand waiters and dining companions, many people with listening challenges avoid eating out. The good news is that this may change, thanks to a clever training program initiated by the Baltimore-based Hearing and Speech Agency. This non-profit is training restaurant employees in such eateries as La Cuchara to ask, “Do you need a booster seat, a handicap-accessible table, or do you need accommodations for hearing loss or hearing status?” when taking reservations or when greeting patrons. The Agency’s director, Erin Stauder, notes, “It just starts conversations and starts to destigmatize something that is very much still stigmatized.” Here’s how these smart restaurants make accomodatations: • Show guests 2 or 3 different options for seating, including one with quiet acoustics (not everyone wants a corner booth). • Train restaurant staff to face guests and maintain eye contact when speaking. • Offer menus with daily specials written down. Of course, gourmands can be proactive by engaging in auditory brain training that will help them recognize speech more effectively in noisy restaurants:   www.clearworks4ears.com https://lnkd.in/eCx48Db