Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring atmosphere to tackle important health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Preparing for a supportive conversation
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. The following are a few guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly loved ones who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members 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 everybody can be prepared to contribute in a positive way. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you sit them near the middle of the table. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will miss out on discussions happening a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your loved one to focus on the conversation. Consider turning off the TV or other electronic devices that might increase the noise.
Approaching the discussion with compassion
Bringing up hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s essential to approach it with compassion. Thanksgiving offers a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for each other. The following are some guidelines about how to deal with this conversation:
- Address the Problem with Compassion: 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. Instead of focusing on the problem itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. For instance, you might 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 fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small changes that can help in the short term. If your loved one is having a hard time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to request 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.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Discuss how lucky you feel to have them as a part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of love and care.
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.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t have to deal with any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the whole process, from making appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if needed. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy cherished moments with loved ones and an overall improved quality of life by taking this step.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. Offer to help establish the appointment or go with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- 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 better their ability to participate in conversations and enjoy social events. You could say something like, “There are so many excellent options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to join in the conversations”.
The genuine spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and gratitude for one another. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to address a family member’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them find the happiness of family get-togethers once more. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive environment to have a heartfelt 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 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 begin this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.