Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great opportunity to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage seeking solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive discussion
Developing a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, especially for people who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you seat them near the center of the table. Steer clear of seating them at the ends where they might struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to talk about the topic of hearing loss. This will allow everyone to be prepared 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 feel like criticism from one person and more like a collective show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a focused conversation with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the conversation.
Gently broaching the discussion
It’s essential to be thoughtful when beginning a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides an ideal setting to have this talk because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. The following are some tips about how to deal with this conversation:
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Talk about how lucky you feel to have them in your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, setting a positive tone from the outset.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they might be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than concentrating on the issue itself. For example, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little harder for you to follow with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can really enjoy our family gatherings”.
- 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 themselves in loud settings. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can delicately introduce the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t have to deal with any of the process by themselves. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if necessary. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy cherished 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 open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially better their ability to participate in conversations and enjoy social activities. 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”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Offer to help establish the appointment or go with them for support. Discuss the importance of having their hearing assessed in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Getting together with loved ones and showing support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Addressing a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family get-togethers. Don’t miss the chance to have this sincere discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more enjoyable and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your supportive care and compassion.
Take a little time to initiate this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. This act of love will improve their lives every day not just during the holiday season.