Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring environment to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive discussion
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you create a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are a few suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly family members who are coping with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Steer clear of putting them at the ends where they could struggle to hear conversations happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to talk about the topic of hearing loss. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be prepared to make contributions positively. When the whole family is aware and engaged, the conversation is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a family show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a lower volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated discussion with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that might increase the noise.
Gently broaching the conversation
It’s important to be compassionate when beginning a conversation about a sensitive subject 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 discussion:
- Address the Issue with Compassion: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they may be having trouble hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Instead of focusing on the problem itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. For instance, you might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little more difficult for you to keep up with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can really enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend simple 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 approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how lucky you feel 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.
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 delicately broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Let them know that you will help them set up the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Discuss the importance of having their hearing assessed in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. 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 interactions. 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 select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t have to go through any of the process by themselves. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the entire process, from making appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
The genuine spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Approaching a family member’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 miss the chance to have this heartfelt discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday get-togethers will be that much more pleasant and memorable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this essential first step. By exhibiting care and empathy, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
Take a little time to initiate this important conversation this Thanksgiving. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not just during the holiday season.
