Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a great opportunity to address essential health concerns, including hearing loss, in a supportive and caring setting. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming environment for someone with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, particularly for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will lose out on conversations happening a little 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 will allow everyone to be prepared for the discussion and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel as though they are being ambushed. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the person with hearing loss, when the whole family is involved.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated conversation with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that may increase the noise.
Approaching the discussion with care
Mentioning 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 each other and give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this conversation. The following are some guidelines about how to deal with this conversation:
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they may be having trouble hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the problem itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. You might 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 trouble following conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small changes that can help in the short term. Urge 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 loud environments, it’s okay to ask people to repeat what they said. By employing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Express Gratitude and Care: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Mention how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the beginning.
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 delicately broach the idea of long-term solutions.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Inform them 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 .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might bring up potential solutions including hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can substantially improve their ability to participate 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 know that they won’t have to go through any of the process by themselves. 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 necessary. Help them realize that they will be able to better enjoy cherished moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
Families supporting one another is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and gratitude for each other. 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 fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive setting to have a sincere discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and memorable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this significant first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and empathy.
Take a little time to begin this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could transform their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.