Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a good opportunity to address essential health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate environment. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family gathers together, making it the ideal time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who may be coping with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
Developing a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. The following are a few guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. This reduces distractions and makes it much easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to bring up the subject of hearing loss. This will allow everybody to be prepared for the conversation and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Avoid putting them at the ends where they might struggle to hear conversations happening further away.
Gently broaching the discussion
It’s important to be thoughtful when beginning a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for each other and express gratitude, making it the perfect setting for this conversation. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a difficult time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s fine to ask people to repeat themselves in loud settings. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Discuss how blessed you feel to have them as a part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your worries stems from a place of care and love.
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they might be having difficulty hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the problem itself, talk more about how they can improve 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 might be having a hard time following conversations”.
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 initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t have to deal with any of the process by themselves. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, reassure them that their family is there to help. Help them understand that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall improved quality of life by taking this step.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you might talk about potential solutions like hearing aids. Help them realize that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by improving their ability to participate in conversations and engage in social connections. You can say something like, “There are so many excellent options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to join in the conversations”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Let them know that you will help them schedule the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Talk about the importance of getting their hearing tested in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Getting together with loved ones and showing support is the real meaning of Thanksgiving. Addressing 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 environment to have a sincere conversation 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 memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. By exhibiting care and empathy, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this worthwhile discussion. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not only during the holiday season.
