Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique opportunity to address essential health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family gathers together, making it the ideal time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who may be coping with it and encourage them to find solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming environment for someone with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, especially for those who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. Avoid putting them at the ends where they may struggle to hear conversations happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you mention your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This will allow everyone to be ready for the discussion and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel like they are being ambushed. When the whole family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from one person and more like a collective show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a low volume. It will be easier to have a focused discussion with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the discussion.
Gently broaching the discussion
Bringing up hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s important to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving offers a perfect setting to have this talk because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this discussion:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. Encourage your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that when they are in loud environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at get-togethers.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: 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 conversation around improving their quality of life rather than targeting the issue itself. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family get-togethers, and it seems like you might be having trouble following conversations”.
- Convey 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 lets your loved one know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, setting a positive tone from the beginning.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can delicately present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to face alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from making appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- 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. You could say something like, “There are so many great options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to join in the conversations”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Suggest scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. 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 .
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Getting together with loved ones and showing support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to address a family member’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them experience the joy of family get-togethers once more. Don’t miss the chance to have this sincere discussion in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your supportive care and empathy.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this significant conversation. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.
