Being Deaf In the Kitchen.

This is one of the most hardest occupations today.

The stress level is high,
the orders are flying around like verbal confetti,
the staff members are running around like they were beheaded chickens.
the pressure to get the food to the tables is immense.
With the new level of expectation in food today,
it is even rougher, because people want what they pay for.

With this kind of situation, verbal communication is a paramount.
However, given the fact that I am "Legally" Deaf.
There are many other ways to work around it.

One of the truest forms of communications is eye contact, Simple eye contact can often times relay what the other party is trying to convey.

In my case, I have to be 100% alert all the time in the kitchen. Hence one of the reasons when I come home at night time, I like to be in a quiet environment. And Usually fall asleep for an hour or two in a hot tub.

I am 91% deaf. I still have some residual hearing, which permits me to get along in the kitchen. However it does create complications often times when the situation is hectic. And I rely more on visual cues, than verbal relaying.

When you work with a tight nit group of people, and everyone knows their position and requirements, it is easy to create a gesture system. Much like sign language but quicker.
For an example we have 35 items on the menu which I am responsible for. Sautee is my expertise. The Chef gives me nudge, signals me the number, and how he wants it. Open hand down means done, closed fist means, medium, open hand up means raw.

I could go on all afternoon with what it is like to be deaf in the kitchen.
But my point is, that it isn't a disability, its merely an obstacle.

Not everyone in the professional fields of your choosing is completely with out care. Everyone wants everyone to succeed. Because otherwise, the working class is stuck paying for the welfare class.

So if you have a dream, and you are unable to pursue your dream because of a perceived complication due to your physical or mental limitations. Go see your local Department of Rehabilitation Counselor tomorrow, and tell them what you want to do.

Most of the counselours out there are excellent at their job, some just don't care. But if you do your part, the rest will come into play.