Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring atmosphere to address essential health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
Creating a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. Here are some tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, especially for individuals who might 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. Avoid placing them at the ends where they might struggle to hear conversations happening 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 feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to contribute in a positive way. 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. This decreases distractions and makes it much easier for your family member to focus on the conversation. Think about turning off the TV or other electronic devices that may add to the noise.
Initiating the discussion with care
It’s important to be thoughtful when initiating a conversation about a sensitive subject like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families give thanks and show support for each other. The following are some guidelines about how to deal with this 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 request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in loud environments. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at get-togethers.
- Address the Issue with Empathy: Inform your loved one that you’ve noticed they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re mentioning it because you care about their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the issue itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. For instance, you may say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a bit harder for you to keep up with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can fully enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Mention how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of care and love.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and recognizes that the conversation comes from a place of concern, you can delicately introduce the concept of exploring 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 schedule 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 better idea of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t need to deal with any of the process alone. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their overall quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might talk about potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can substantially better their ability to participate in conversations and enjoy social activities. You can say something like, “There are so many great options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to be a part of conversations”.
Families supporting each other 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 tackle a loved one’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them experience the joy of family get-togethers once again. Don’t miss the opportunity to have this heartfelt conversation in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more pleasant and memorable after you have successfully inspired your loved one to take this essential first step. Help them feel more included and less separated with your encouraging care and empathy.
Take a little time to begin this important discussion this Thanksgiving. This act of love will enhance their lives every day not only during the holiday season.