Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great occasion to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive discussion
Creating a welcoming environment for someone with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. The following are a few suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, especially family members who are coping with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. If you seat them at the end of the table, they will miss out on conversations happening a little further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be prepared to contribute in a positive way. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. This reduces distractions and makes it easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Approaching the discussion with compassion
Mentioning hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential 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 ideal setting for this discussion. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Structure the conversation around improving their quality of life instead of focusing on the issue itself. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most from these family get-togethers, and it seems as if you may be having trouble keeping up with conversations”.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Describe how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the outset.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest simple changes that can help in the short term. 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 acceptable to ask people to repeat themselves. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
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 gently introduce the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can significantly better their ability to engage 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 connections, and there are so many options to select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t need to go through any of the process by themselves. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Help them comprehend that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- 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 getting their hearing assessed in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
The genuine spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
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 thoughtful 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 sincere conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and memorable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this significant first step. By showing care and empathy, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
Take a little time to begin this important discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.