Thanksgiving is a treasured time for family gatherings, filled with laughter, stories, and moments of gratitude. It also provides a perfect caring atmosphere to address important health concerns, including 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 may be dealing with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
Creating a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family get-together. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, particularly for people who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a low volume. This reduces distractions and makes it easier for your family member to focus on the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the discussion.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you sit them near the middle of the table. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will miss out on conversations taking place a little 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 way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to make contributions in a positive way. 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.
Delicately broaching the discussion
Mentioning hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s essential to approach it with compassion. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for each other and give thanks, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. Here’s how to approach the discussion:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. Encourage your loved one to ask others to talk more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that when they are in noisy settings, it’s acceptable to ask people to repeat what they said. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Talk about how thankful you are to have them in your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your worries stems from a place of love and care.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of focusing 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 bit harder for you to follow with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can really enjoy our family 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 initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing test as the next thing they should do. Offer to help establish the appointment or go with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to face alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adapting to new hearing aids, reassure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you could bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can substantially improve their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social activities. Perhaps 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 select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
Families supporting each other is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Getting together with loved ones and offering support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Approaching a loved one’s hearing loss during this time can be a meaningful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the happiness of family gatherings. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this sincere discussion in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday get-togethers will be that much more enjoyable and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this essential first step. By showing care and empathy, 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. This act of love will improve their lives every day not only during the holiday season.
