Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique occasion to address essential health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage seeking solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
Creating a welcoming setting for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, particularly for those who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid seating them at the ends where they could struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you mention 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 everybody can be prepared to contribute in a positive way. 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.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a reduced volume. This decreases distractions and makes it much easier for your loved one to focus on the conversation. Think about turning off the TV or other audio devices that might add to the noise.
Initiating the conversation with compassion
Bringing up hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this discussion because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for each other. Here’s how to tackle the conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend simple changes that can help in the short term. 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 loud settings, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Instead of focusing on the issue itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. You might say something like “I want to help you get the most from these family get-togethers, and it seems like you might be having a hard time following conversations”.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Talk about how blessed you feel to have them as a part of your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, setting a positive tone from the start.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can gently present the idea of exploring long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. Help them realize that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by enhancing their ability to participate in conversations and engage in social connections. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get greater joy from social connections, and there are so many options to choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- 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 adapting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing 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 having their hearing tested in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and gratitude 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 heartfelt discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Inspiring your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. By exhibiting care and compassion, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
Take a little time to begin 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.