Thanksgiving is a treasured time for family get-togethers, filled with merriment, stories, and sentiments of gratitude. It also provides a perfect caring environment to address essential health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you create a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are a few guidelines to help everybody feel comfortable, particularly loved ones who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a reduced volume. This reduces distractions and makes it easier for your family member to focus on the conversation. Think about turning off the TV or other electronic devices that may add to the noise.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to talk about the topic of hearing loss. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be ready to make contributions positively. When the whole 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 included in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Avoid putting them at the ends where they may struggle to hear discussions occurring further away.
Initiating the discussion with compassion
Talking about hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s important to address it with compassion. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for one another and give thanks, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how lucky you feel to have them as a part of your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the outset.
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than focusing on the issue itself. For example, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit harder for you to keep up with conversations recently, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend simple changes that can help in the short term. 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 loud environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
Discussing long-term solutions
After you put your loved one at ease by letting them know how much you care about them, it’s time to gently initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they know that they won’t have to go through any of the process alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, reassure them that their family is there to help. Help them understand that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall improved 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 participate in conversations and engage in social connections. You could say something like, “There are so many great options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to join in the conversations”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Suggest scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
Families showing support for one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and gratitude for one another. Approaching a loved one’s hearing loss during this time can be a meaningful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family gatherings. Don’t fail to make the most of this loving and supportive environment to have a heartfelt discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more enjoyable and memorable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this important first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and empathy.
Take a little time to begin this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.