Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great opportunity to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a loved one who has hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, particularly for those who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will lose out on conversations taking place a little further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This will allow everyone to be prepared for the discussion and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel as if they are being ambushed. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a focused discussion with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Consider turning off the TV or other electronic devices that might add to the noise.
Initiating the conversation with care
It’s essential to be thoughtful when beginning a conversation about a sensitive subject like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for each other and express gratitude, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this discussion:
- Express Gratitude and Care: Begin by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how blessed you feel to have them in your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your worries stems from a place of love and care.
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having difficulty hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Structure the conversation around improving their quality of life instead of focusing on the problem itself. You might say something like “I want to help you get the most from these family gatherings, and it seems as if you may be having a hard time keeping up with conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a hard time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that when they are in loud environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and recognizes that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can gently present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Discuss the importance of having their hearing evaluated in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to confront alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the whole process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if needed. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy cherished moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you might bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can significantly better their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social activities. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get greater joy from social connections, and there are so many options to choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and gratitude for each other. Addressing a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family gatherings. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this sincere conversation in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this significant first step. By showing care and compassion, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this significant conversation. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.