Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great occasion to address essential health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
Developing a welcoming setting for someone with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. The following are some guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to bring up the topic of hearing loss. This will allow everyone to be prepared for the conversation and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel like they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from one person and more like a family show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Steer clear of placing them at the ends where they could struggle to hear conversations happening further away.
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 family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that might increase the noise.
Gently broaching the conversation
It’s important to be thoughtful when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides an ideal setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. The following are some guidelines about how to deal with this conversation:
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than targeting the problem itself. For instance, you might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit more difficult for you to keep up with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Describe how thankful you are to have them in your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the outset.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a difficult time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s fine to ask people to repeat themselves in noisy settings. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
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 gently broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you could bring up potential solutions including hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can substantially better their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social events. 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”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to face alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the whole process, from making appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Discuss the importance of getting their hearing tested in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
The genuine spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
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 happiness of family get-togethers. Don’t miss the chance to have this sincere discussion in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Inspiring your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your encouraging care and compassion.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this important conversation. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.