Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family gatherings, filled with laughter, stories, and sentiments of gratitude. It also offers 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 seeking solutions.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a loved one who has hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. The following are a few guidelines to help everybody feel comfortable, particularly loved ones who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a low volume. It will be easier to have a focused conversation with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the conversation.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you mention your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This will allow everyone to be prepared for the conversation and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel as if they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from a single person and more like a family show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you seat them near the center of the table. If you seat them at the end of the table, they will miss out on discussions happening a little further away.
Approaching the discussion with compassion
Talking about hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for one another. Here’s how to tackle the conversation:
- Address the Issue with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Frame the conversation around improving their quality of life instead of targeting 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 a hard time keeping up with conversations”.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Begin by articulating how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the outset.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a hard time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s fine to ask people to repeat themselves in noisy settings. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can gently present 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. Help them understand that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by improving their ability to participate in conversations and engage in social interactions. 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”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Let them know that you will help them make the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they know that they won’t have to deal with any of the process by themselves. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adapting to new hearing aids, reassure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their overall quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
Families supporting each other is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Getting together with loved ones and offering support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Addressing a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a meaningful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family gatherings. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive setting to have a sincere discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more enjoyable and unforgettable 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 initiate this important discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.
