Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring environment to address important health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. 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 may be coping with it and encourage them to find solutions.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, particularly for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid seating them at the ends where they might struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to bring up the subject of hearing loss. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to make contributions in a positive way. When the whole family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated discussion with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Consider turning off the TV or other electronic devices that may increase the noise.
Gently broaching the discussion
It’s important to be compassionate when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for one another and express gratitude, making it the ideal setting for this discussion. 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 as a part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your worries comes from a place of love and care.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having difficulty 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. For instance, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit harder for you to keep up with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small changes that can help in the short term. If your loved one is having a hard time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that when they are in loud settings, it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves. By employing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can delicately present the idea of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to face alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the whole process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be receptive to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Help them realize that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by improving their ability to take part in conversations and engage in social interactions. 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”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing test as the next thing they should do. Let them know that you will help them make 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
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to tackle a family member’s hearing loss as a meaningful show of support that will help them find the happiness of family gatherings once more. Don’t fail to make the most of this loving and supportive environment to have a sincere discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. 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 important 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.