Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique occasion to address essential health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring setting. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family gathers together, making it the perfect time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who may be dealing with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a loved one with hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. The following are some suggestions to help everybody feel comfortable, especially family members who are coping with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to make contributions positively. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Avoid seating them at the ends where they could struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it much easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Gently broaching the conversation
Mentioning hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for each other and give thanks, making it the perfect setting for this conversation. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they might be having difficulty hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the issue itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. For instance, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little harder for you to keep up with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. 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 when they are in noisy environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Mention how thankful you are to have them in your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the start.
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 broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to confront alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Discuss the importance of getting their hearing evaluated in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you could bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially improve their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social activities. 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”.
Families supporting one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and gratitude for each other. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to address a loved one’s hearing loss as a meaningful show of support that will help them find the happiness of family get-togethers once more. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this heartfelt discussion in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards better 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 important conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.