Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great occasion to address important health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring 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 might be dealing with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
Creating a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. The following are a few suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly loved ones who are coping with hearing loss:
- Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. It will be easier to have a focused discussion with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle 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 conversations happening a little further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you mention your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be prepared to make contributions positively. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
Initiating the conversation with compassion
Talking about hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s essential to approach it with empathy. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for each other. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend 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 it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in loud environments. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Mention how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the start.
- Address the Issue with Compassion: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re bringing it up because you care about 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 from these family gatherings, and it seems as if you may be having trouble keeping up with conversations”.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can gently introduce the concept 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 comfort them through the whole process, from making appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- 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 schedule the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Discuss the importance of getting their hearing tested in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you might talk about potential solutions including hearing aids. 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 interactions. Perhaps you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get more joy from social connections, and there are so many options to choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
Families supporting each other is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and gratitude for one another. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to address a family member’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them find the joy of family get-togethers once again. Don’t miss the chance 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 enjoyable and memorable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your supportive care and empathy.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this important conversation. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.
