Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique occasion to address essential health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring environment. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family members get 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.
Organizing a conversation to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. The following are a few guidelines to help everybody feel comfortable, particularly family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center 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 lose out on conversations happening a little further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you discuss 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 family member with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the whole 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 loved one to focus on the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Gently broaching the conversation
It’s essential to be compassionate when beginning a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for one another and express gratitude, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. Here’s how to tackle the discussion:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend 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 ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves 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 a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the issue itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. For instance, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit more difficult for you to keep up with conversations recently, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Begin by articulating how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how blessed you feel to have them in your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your worries comes from a place of love and care.
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 delicately broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Inform them that you will help them schedule the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t have to go through any of the process by themselves. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the whole process, from scheduling appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can significantly improve their ability to participate 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 join in the conversations”.
The genuine spirit of Thanksgiving: showing support for one another
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Approaching a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a meaningful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the joy of family get-togethers. Don’t fail to make the most 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 everyone involved. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your encouraging care and compassion.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this significant conversation. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.
