Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique opportunity to address essential health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family members get together, making it the ideal time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who might be dealing with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Organizing a conversation to support your loved one
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you cultivate a compassionate and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, particularly for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a reduced volume. This reduces distractions and makes it easier for your family member to focus on the conversation. Think about turning off the TV or other electronic devices that may increase the noise.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Avoid putting them at the ends where they may struggle to hear discussions taking place further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This will allow everyone to be ready for the discussion and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
Gently broaching the conversation
It’s important to be compassionate when beginning a conversation about a sensitive subject like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for one another and give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this discussion. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Start by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how fortunate 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, creating a positive tone from the start.
- 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 difficulty understanding. Remind them that when they are in loud settings, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- 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. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than targeting the issue itself. For example, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit more difficult for you to keep up with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can really enjoy our family gatherings”.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and recognizes that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can delicately introduce the idea of exploring long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. Inform them that you will help them schedule the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might bring up potential solutions including hearing aids. Help them understand that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by improving their ability to take part in conversations and engage in social connections. 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”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to confront alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adapting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
Families supporting each other is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Addressing a loved one’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family gatherings. Don’t fail to make the most of this loving and supportive environment to have a sincere conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more memorable and enjoyable for everybody involved. By showing care and compassion, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this important conversation. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.
