Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a good occasion to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and caring environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Organizing a conversation to support your loved one
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a family member who has hearing loss, if you cultivate a compassionate and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, especially for those who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid putting them at the ends where they may struggle to hear discussions taking place further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you mention your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to contribute positively. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that may add to the noise.
Delicately broaching the discussion
Talking about hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s important to approach it with empathy. Thanksgiving offers a perfect setting to have this talk because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for one another. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Convey 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 sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your concern comes from a place of care and love.
- Address the Issue with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having trouble hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of focusing on the problem 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 gatherings, and it seems as if you may be having difficulty keeping up with conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. Urge your loved one to ask others to talk more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that when they are in noisy environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the conversation 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 mentioned. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can significantly better their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social activities. You can say something like, “There are so many excellent 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 know that they won’t have to go through any of the process by themselves. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Let them know that you will help them set up the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Talk about the importance of having their hearing evaluated in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
Families showing support for each other is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to tackle a family member’s hearing loss as a meaningful show of support that will help them experience the joy of family get-togethers once again. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive setting to have a heartfelt discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday get-togethers will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and empathy.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this significant discussion. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.