Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring atmosphere to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive conversation
During family gatherings, 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 a few suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, especially loved ones who are coping with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you sit them near the center of the table. Steer clear of placing them at the ends where they may struggle to hear discussions occurring further away.
- 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 everyone can be ready to contribute positively. When the entire family is aware and involved, the conversation is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a family show of support.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. This reduces distractions and makes it easier for your loved one to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the conversation.
Gently broaching the conversation
It’s important to be compassionate when beginning a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for one another. The following are some tips about how to approach this conversation:
- 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 request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s fine to ask people to repeat themselves in noisy settings. These strategies can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Discuss how fortunate you feel to have them as a 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 outset.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may 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 enhance their quality of life. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family gatherings, and it seems as if you may be having difficulty following conversations”.
Discussing long-term solutions
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.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be receptive to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can significantly improve their ability to engage in conversations and enjoy social activities. Perhaps 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 select 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 make the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they know that they won’t need to deal with any of the process alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adapting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
Families supporting one another is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Approaching a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the happiness of family get-togethers. Don’t fail to make the most of this loving and supportive setting to have a heartfelt conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. By showing care and compassion, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this worthwhile discussion. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.