Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great opportunity to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate 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 might 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. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, particularly for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid putting them at the ends where they might struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be 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 ready to make contributions positively. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a focused discussion with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that may increase the noise.
Delicately broaching the discussion
Bringing up hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s important to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for one another and give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this conversation. Here’s how to tackle the discussion:
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Describe how thankful you are to have them in your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the beginning.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the issue itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little harder for you to keep up with conversations recently, and I want to make sure you can really enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a difficult time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said in noisy environments. By utilizing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
Discussing long-term solutions
After you put your loved one at ease by letting them know how much you care about them, it’s time to delicately initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to confront alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Offer to help set up the appointment or go 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 conversation is going well, you might bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially improve their ability to engage in conversations and enjoy social activities. Perhaps 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 select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
Families showing support for each other is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Getting 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 fail to make the most of this loving and supportive setting to have a heartfelt discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. By exhibiting care and empathy, 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. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not just during the holiday season.