Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family get-togethers, filled with laughter, stories, and sentiments of gratitude. It also offers a perfect caring environment to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member who has hearing loss, if you create a caring and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, especially for people who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to talk about the subject of hearing loss. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be ready to contribute in a positive way. When the whole family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from one person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid placing them at the ends where they might struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your family member to focus on the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the discussion.
Approaching the discussion with care
Mentioning hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential to address it with compassion. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this discussion because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for each other. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Express Gratitude and Care: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the beginning.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than concentrating on the issue itself. You might say something like “I want to help you get the most from these family get-togethers, and it seems like you may be having trouble following conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. Urge your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said in loud environments. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
Long-term solution should be discussed
After you put your loved one at ease by letting them know how much you care about them, it’s time to gently broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t have to go through any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the whole process, from making appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if needed. 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.
- 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 improving their ability to take part in conversations and engage in social interactions. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get more joy from social interactions, and there are so many options to choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. 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 assessed in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
Families supporting 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 address a family member’s hearing loss as a meaningful show of support that will help them experience the joy of family gatherings once again. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive environment to have a sincere conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards improved hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and empathy.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this worthwhile discussion. This act of love will better their lives every day not only during the holiday season.