Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a unique occasion to address important health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring environment. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage seeking solutions.
Organizing a conversation to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming setting for someone with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. The following are some suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, particularly family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other background noises at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated conversation with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid seating them at the ends where they may struggle to hear discussions occurring 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 way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everybody can be prepared 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.
Initiating the conversation with compassion
Talking about hearing loss can be sensitive, and it’s essential to address it with empathy. 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 conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. Encourage your loved one to ask others to talk more slowly or clearly if they’re having difficulty understanding. Remind them that it’s fine to ask people to repeat themselves in noisy settings. By utilizing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Describe how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the start.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having difficulty hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Frame the conversation around improving their quality of life instead of focusing on the issue itself. For example, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit harder for you to follow with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and knows that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can delicately present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t need to go through any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from making 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.
- 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. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might bring up potential solutions like hearing aids. Help them realize that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by enhancing their ability to participate in conversations and engage in social interactions. You can say something like, “There are so many fantastic options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to be a part of conversations”.
Families supporting one another is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and gratitude for each other. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to address a family member’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them experience the joy of family gatherings once again. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive setting to have a sincere conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
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 compassion.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this significant discussion. This act of love will improve their lives every day not only during the holiday season.