Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring environment to tackle important health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. 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 may be coping with it and encourage them to find solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
Creating a welcoming environment for someone with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family get-together. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, especially for those who might struggle to hear clearly:
- Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. It will be easier to have a focused conversation with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the discussion.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. Steer clear of seating them at the ends where they may struggle to hear conversations taking place further away.
- 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 seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be prepared to contribute positively. It will feel more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
Initiating the discussion with compassion
Talking about hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s important to approach it with compassion. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for one another and express gratitude, making it the ideal setting for this discussion. The following are some guidelines about how to deal with this conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Discuss how lucky you feel to have them in 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 outset.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the discussion around improving their quality of life instead of focusing on the issue itself. For instance, you might 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 really enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. 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 when they are in noisy environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
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 initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you could talk about potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can significantly improve their ability to engage in conversations and enjoy social events. 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”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t have to deal with any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the whole process, from scheduling appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if needed. Help them comprehend that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing exam as the next step. Let them know that you will help them set up the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Discuss the importance of having their hearing evaluated in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
Families supporting each other is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Addressing 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 opportunity to have this heartfelt discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Inspiring 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.
Take a little time to begin this significant discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.