Why ‘Dinner Table Syndrome’ is getting worse for deaf people | BBC
The ‘Dinner Table Syndrome’ phenomenon leaves deaf people out of the discourse. In a world of remote work, the problem is getting even worse.
Before the pandemic, my husband and I would often meet our friends for a beer at the weekend. For many, grabbing a drink with friends is the epitome of a relaxing evening. But for deaf people in a hearing crowd, a pub can be a perfect storm of bad lighting, loud background noise and full mouths that make communication difficult. Sometimes, I enjoy myself and my friends, and I try to ensure that I can understand the conversation. But sometimes I am not in the mood for this work. I stare at my beer, let my eyes glaze over. I am there, but not there.