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 environment. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family members get 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 find solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
Creating a welcoming setting for someone with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family gathering. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, particularly for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Steer clear of seating them at the ends where they may struggle to hear conversations happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you mention your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This will allow everyone to be ready for the discussion and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and involved, the conversation is less likely to feel like criticism from one person and more like a collective show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a reduced volume. This reduces distractions and makes it much easier for your family member to focus on the conversation. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Initiating the discussion with care
Mentioning hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s essential to approach it with compassion. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for one another and express gratitude, making it the ideal setting for this conversation. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Start by articulating how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how fortunate you feel to have them in your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your worries comes from a place of love and care.
- 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 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 out of these family get-togethers, and it seems like you may be having a hard time keeping up with conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. Encourage your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that when they are in loud environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
Long-term solution should be discussed
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.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t need to deal with any of the process 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 necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can significantly improve 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”.
- 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. Talk about the importance of getting their hearing evaluated in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
Families showing support for one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Approaching a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a meaningful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the happiness of family get-togethers. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this heartfelt discussion in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more memorable and enjoyable for everybody involved. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your supportive care and compassion.
Take a little time to begin this significant discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.