Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great opportunity to address essential health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage finding solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a loved one who has hearing loss, if you cultivate a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are some suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly loved ones who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other family members. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be ready to contribute positively. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
- 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 sit them at the end of the table, they will lose out on conversations happening a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Think about turning off the TV or other electronic devices that might increase the noise.
Initiating the conversation with compassion
It’s important to be thoughtful when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for each other and give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this conversation. Here’s how to approach the discussion:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest simple changes that can help in the short term. Encourage your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having difficulty understanding. Remind them that when they are in noisy settings, it’s acceptable to ask people to repeat what they said. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at get-togethers.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Talk about how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your concern comes from a place of care and love.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they might be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of focusing on the problem itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most from these family gatherings, and it seems like you might be having difficulty 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 present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing test 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 comprehend that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to face alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the whole process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you could bring up potential solutions including hearing aids. Help them realize 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. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get greater joy from social connections, and there are so many options to select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
Families supporting one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to tackle a family member’s hearing loss as a meaningful show of support that will help them experience the joy of family gatherings once more. Don’t miss the chance to have this heartfelt conversation in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. By exhibiting care and compassion, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this worthwhile conversation. This act of love will better their lives every day not just during the holiday season.
