Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring atmosphere to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a loved one who has hearing loss, if you create a compassionate and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, particularly for individuals who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you mention your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This will allow everyone to be ready for the discussion and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel like they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and engaged, the discussion is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a family show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your family member will feel more involved in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will lose out on discussions happening a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it much easier for your loved one to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Initiating the conversation with care
Bringing up hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential to address it with compassion. Thanksgiving provides an ideal setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for one another. Here’s how to tackle the conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Describe how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of love and care.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest simple changes that can help in the short term. 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 okay to ask people to repeat what they said in noisy settings. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems like they might 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 improve their quality of life. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family gatherings, and it seems like you may be having difficulty keeping up with conversations”.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can gently present 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. Help them realize 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 can say something like, “There are so many great options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to be a part of conversations”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Offer to help establish the appointment or go with them for support. Discuss the importance of getting their hearing tested in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to face alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Approaching a family member’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 chance to have this heartfelt discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday get-togethers will be that much more enjoyable and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this essential first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your encouraging care and empathy.
Take a little time to begin this important discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.