Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family get-togethers, filled with laughter, stories, and sentiments of gratitude. It’s also a great occasion to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate environment. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage seeking solutions.
Organizing a conversation to support your loved one
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a loved one who has hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, especially for people who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to talk about the topic of hearing loss. This will allow everybody to be ready for the conversation and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel as if they are being ambushed. When the whole family is aware and engaged, the conversation is less likely to seem like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more included in conversations if you sit them near the middle of the table. Avoid seating them at the ends where they might struggle to hear conversations occurring further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a low volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that might add to the noise.
Delicately broaching the discussion
Mentioning hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s important to approach it with empathy. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for each other and express gratitude, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. The following are some tips about how to approach this 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 ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said in loud settings. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how thankful you are to have them in your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your concern comes from a place of love and care.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they may be having difficulty 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 focusing on the issue itself. For instance, you might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little harder for you to follow with conversations recently, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
Long-term solution should be discussed
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. Let them know that you will help them make the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out 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. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be receptive to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Help them realize 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 connections. Perhaps you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get more joy from social connections, and there are so many options to select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
Families supporting one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and gratitude for one another. Addressing 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 get-togethers. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive environment to have a heartfelt conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more memorable and enjoyable for everybody involved. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and empathy.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this important discussion. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.
