Sort the sound

I was so interested to read Stephen Jardine’s Food For column regarding loud music in restaurants (19 August). Being very deaf and relying on even the very best digital hearing aids, I know only too well how hard it is to have meaningful conversation while dining out with friends and family.

The complete and utter frustration at not being able to hear anything due to the appalling acoustics caused, as he quite rightly says, by tiled flooring, grating chairs, lack of soft furnishings and curtains etc. Then loud music to add to the toxic mix!

My heart just sinks when I enter a restaurant these days to know that I will have to sit through a meal being totally unable to hear what anyone is saying. It is totally isolating.

Surely it is not beyond the wit of Man to design a restaurant that is customer friendly to all, both deaf and hearing! I am sure I am not alone. JANE THOMSON

Braco, Perthshire