Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great occasion to address essential health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage seeking solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
Creating a welcoming setting for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. The following are a few guidelines to help everybody feel comfortable, especially loved ones who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be 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 though they are being ambushed. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more involved in conversations if you seat them near the center of the table. Avoid placing them at the ends where they may struggle to hear discussions taking place further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your loved one to focus on the conversation. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Gently broaching the conversation
It’s important to be compassionate when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. Here’s how to approach the discussion:
- 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 when they are in noisy settings, it’s acceptable to ask people to repeat what they said. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Describe how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of love and care.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having difficulty hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Frame the discussion around improving their quality of life instead of concentrating on the issue itself. For example, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little harder for you to follow with conversations recently, and I want to make sure you can really 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 gently broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam 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. 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 need to go through any of the process by themselves. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from making appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if necessary. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be receptive to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially better their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social events. 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 select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
The genuine spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Approaching a loved one’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 miss the opportunity to have this heartfelt discussion in a setting 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 inspired your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your encouraging care and empathy.
Take a little time to initiate this significant discussion this Thanksgiving. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not just during the holiday season.