Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring environment to tackle essential health concerns, including hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage seeking solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a family member who has hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. The following are some guidelines to help everybody feel comfortable, especially loved ones who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you seat them near the middle of the table. Avoid seating them at the ends where they could struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to bring up the topic of hearing loss. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be prepared to make contributions positively. When the whole family is aware and involved, the conversation is less likely to seem like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a focused conversation with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the discussion.
Delicately broaching the conversation
It’s important to be compassionate when initiating 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 one another. Here’s how to tackle the conversation:
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of focusing on the problem itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. 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”.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Mention how thankful you are to have them in your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of care and love.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small changes that can help in the short term. If your loved one is having a difficult time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s fine to ask people to repeat what they said in loud environments. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during 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 delicately initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be receptive to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can significantly improve their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social events. You can say something like, “There are so many great options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to be a part of conversations”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they know that they won’t need to go through any of the process 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 enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam 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. Talk about the importance of getting their hearing assessed in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
Families supporting each other is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Addressing a loved one’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the happiness of family gatherings. Don’t fail to make the most of this loving and supportive setting to have a sincere discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everyone involved. By showing care and compassion, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
Take a little time to initiate this significant discussion this Thanksgiving. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not only during the holiday season.