Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great occasion to address important health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you cultivate a compassionate and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, particularly for people who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you mention 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. When the whole family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. Avoid placing them at the ends where they could struggle to hear conversations taking place further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. It will be easier to have a focused discussion with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the discussion.
Gently broaching the conversation
Bringing up hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s important to address it with compassion. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for one another and express gratitude, making it the ideal setting for this discussion. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest simple changes that can help in the short term. If your loved one is having a hard time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in loud settings. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they may be having trouble hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the issue itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. For instance, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little more difficult for you to follow with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by articulating how much your loved one means to you. Describe how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the start.
Discussing long-term solutions
After you put your loved one at ease by letting them know how much you care about them, it’s time to delicately initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they know that they won’t have to deal with any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the entire process, from making appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing test as the next thing they should do. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might bring up potential solutions including hearing aids. Help them understand that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by enhancing their ability to take part in conversations and engage in social interactions. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get greater joy from social interactions, 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
Coming together with loved ones and offering support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Addressing a loved one’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 heartfelt discussion in an environment 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 encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your encouraging care and compassion.
Take a little time to begin this important conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.