Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring environment to address essential health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family gathers together, making it the perfect time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who might be dealing with it and encourage them to find solutions.
Preparing for a supportive conversation
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member who has hearing loss, if you cultivate a caring and welcoming vibe. The following are some suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- 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 ready for the discussion and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you sit them near the middle of the table. Steer clear of putting them at the ends where they might 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 concentrated discussion with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the discussion.
Initiating the conversation with care
Bringing up hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s important to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for one another. Here’s how to tackle the discussion:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest 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 noisy settings, it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Mention how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your concern comes from a place of love and care.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Frame the discussion around improving their quality of life instead of targeting the issue itself. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most from these family get-togethers, and it seems as if you may be having trouble keeping up with conversations”.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can gently present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you might talk about potential solutions including hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially better their ability to engage in conversations and enjoy social events. Perhaps you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get more 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: Make sure they are aware that they won’t have to deal with any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if necessary. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall improved quality of life by taking this step.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. Offer to help establish the appointment or go with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
Families supporting one another is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Approaching a loved one’s hearing loss during this time can be a meaningful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family get-togethers. Don’t miss the chance to have this heartfelt conversation in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Inspiring your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everyone involved. By exhibiting care and empathy, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
Take a little time to begin this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.