Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring environment to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. 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
Creating a welcoming setting for somebody with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, especially for people who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be ready to make contributions positively. When the entire family is aware and engaged, the conversation is less likely to seem like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. If you seat them at the end of the table, they will miss out on discussions happening a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a reduced volume. This reduces distractions and makes it easier for your loved one to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Initiating the discussion with compassion
It’s essential to be thoughtful when beginning 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 one another. Here’s how to tackle the discussion:
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than targeting the issue itself. For instance, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little more difficult for you to keep up with conversations lately, 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 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 themselves in loud environments. By utilizing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Start by articulating how much your loved one means to you. Mention how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your worries comes from a place of care and love.
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 delicately broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Suggest 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. Discuss the importance of having their hearing evaluated in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be receptive to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. 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 interactions. You can say something like, “There are so many great options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to be a part of conversations”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t need to go through 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 needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Approaching a family member’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 fail to make the most of this loving and supportive setting to have a sincere conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your encouraging care and compassion.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this worthwhile conversation. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.