Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique opportunity to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Organizing a discussion to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family get-together. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, particularly for those who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will miss out on conversations happening a little further away.
- 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 seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be prepared to contribute in a positive way. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a low volume. This decreases distractions and makes it much easier for your loved one to focus on the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the discussion.
Initiating the conversation with care
It’s essential to be compassionate when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides a perfect 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 conversation:
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the problem itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. For example, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit 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. 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 noisy settings, 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 get-togethers.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Describe how thankful you are to have them in your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of care and love.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can gently present the idea of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need 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 enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially improve their ability to participate in conversations and enjoy social activities. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get more joy from social connections, and there are so many options to choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Let them know that you will help them make the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Talk about the importance of getting their hearing evaluated in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Approaching a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family get-togethers. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this sincere conversation in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday get-togethers will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and compassion.
Take a little time to initiate this significant discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.