How To Throw A Holiday Party Without Creating ‘Dinner Table Syndrome’
Holiday gatherings characterized by festive music and background noise can pose substantial challenges for people with hearing loss. Even when they utilize hearing aids, background noise and other factors can hinder their ability to engage in conversations during parties or dinners. Dinner table syndrome happens when people with hearing loss or deafness experience feelings of exclusion as they struggle to participate in discussions.
How to Avoid Dinner Table Syndrome
To improve the experience of your guests with hearing loss and ensure their inclusion at the dinner table, consider implementing a few minor accommodations. You can incorporate the following suggestions into your plans to prevent any chances of dinner table syndrome:
Tips for the Table
The dining table arrangement is a critical component and may be more influential than most know. For instance, round tables can help people with hearing loss to engage in conversations much more easily.
Clean Line of Sight:
Move centerpieces and decorations from the table before the meal to maintain unobstructed views.
Seating Consideration:
Seat people with hearing issues furthest away from sources of noise, such as the kitchen, the kids’ table, or the television.
Windows and Drapes:
Closing windows can help reduce background noise. Drawing curtains or drapes helps reduce glare for lipreaders and dampen sound.
Adequate Lighting:
Consider adding extra lamps for better lighting if the room is too dark.
Establish a Quiet Room
Designate a specific “quiet area” within your residence or event venue free from background noise and loud sounds. Additionally, consider the demographics of your guests. If many young children will be in attendance, it may be beneficial to establish a playroom where they can engage with their toys in a separate space. If there are football enthusiasts present who want to watch the game, ensure that the volume of the television doesn’t intrude into the quiet area.
Controlling the Noise Levels
If it is not feasible to designate separate rooms for viewing television or children’s activities, reduce the volume of the television or holiday music during meal times, as excessive background noise often leads to elevated conversation levels. It is also courteous to wait until all guests have completed their meals before clearing the table.
Communicate Your Needs as a Guest
If you are attending a holiday gathering as a guest, you should approach the host privately to express any specific needs. Ask a family member or a friend to serve as a dinner companion, as they can help foster communication by helping to convey conversations.