Thanksgiving is a cherished time for family get-togethers, filled with merriment, stories, and moments of gratitude. It’s also a good occasion to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate 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 may be coping with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a loved one with hearing loss, if you cultivate a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are a few suggestions to help everybody feel comfortable, especially family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to talk about the subject of hearing loss. This will allow everyone to be prepared for the conversation and your loved one with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and engaged, the discussion is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. Avoid seating them at the ends where they might struggle to hear conversations occurring 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. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Approaching the discussion with care
It’s important to be thoughtful when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides an ideal setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a hard 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 acceptable to ask people to repeat what they said. By employing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at get-togethers.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having difficulty 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 may be having a hard time keeping up with conversations”.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know 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 worries comes from a place of care and love.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can gently present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to confront alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their overall quality of life and enjoying more experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing test as the next thing they should do. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Talk about the importance of having their hearing evaluated in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially improve their ability to engage in conversations and enjoy social activities. Maybe you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get greater joy from social interactions, and there are so many options to choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Getting together with loved ones and offering support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. Approaching a loved one’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 take advantage of this loving and supportive setting to have a heartfelt conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this essential first step. By exhibiting 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. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not only during the holiday season.