Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a good occasion to address important health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring 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 conversation to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming environment for someone with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, especially for people who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more included in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Avoid seating them at the ends where they may struggle to hear conversations occurring further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to bring up the topic of hearing loss. This will allow everyone to be prepared for the conversation and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel like they are being ambushed. When the whole family is aware and engaged, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from one person and more like a collective show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your loved one to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the discussion.
Initiating the conversation with compassion
Talking about hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s important to address it with empathy. Thanksgiving offers an ideal setting to have this discussion because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for one another. Here’s how to tackle the conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how fortunate 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, creating a positive tone from the beginning.
- 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 ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said in noisy settings. By employing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they may be having trouble hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Frame the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than focusing on the problem itself. For example, you may 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 fully enjoy our family 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.
- 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 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. You could say something like, “There are so many fantastic 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. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t have to deal with any of the process alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
Families supporting one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Approaching 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 get-togethers. Don’t miss the chance to have this sincere discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. Help them feel more included and less separated with your encouraging care and compassion.
Take a little time to initiate this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.