Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique occasion to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage seeking solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive discussion
Creating a welcoming setting for somebody with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. The following are some guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly family members who are coping with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. Steer clear of putting them at the ends where they could struggle to hear conversations happening further away.
- 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 ready for the conversation and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel as if they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and engaged, the conversation is less likely to seem like criticism from one person and more like a family show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. This decreases distractions and makes it much 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 discussion
Talking about hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s essential to approach it with compassion. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this talk because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for each other. Here’s how to tackle the discussion:
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of focusing on the problem itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family get-togethers, and it seems as if you might be having a hard time following conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend simple changes that can help in the short term. Encourage your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having difficulty understanding. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in loud settings. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Begin by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how blessed 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.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can delicately introduce the concept of exploring 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 understand 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 join in the conversations”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to face alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adapting to new hearing aids, assure 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 enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Inform them that you will help them schedule the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Discuss the importance of having their hearing tested in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
Families showing support for each other is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Addressing 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 opportunity to have this sincere 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 memorable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this important first step. By showing care and compassion, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
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.
