Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a good opportunity to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and compassionate setting. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing difficulties and encourage seeking solutions.
Preparing for a supportive discussion
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a family member who has hearing loss, if you cultivate a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are some suggestions to help everybody feel comfortable, particularly family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Make sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to make contributions in a positive way. When the whole family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from one person and more like a family show of support.
- 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 seat them at the end of the table, they will miss out on discussions happening a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. This decreases distractions and makes it much easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Gently broaching the discussion
It’s essential to be compassionate when beginning a conversation about a sensitive subject like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families gather and show support for one another and express gratitude, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. The following are some tips about how to deal with this conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Begin by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how fortunate you feel to have them as a part of your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of care and love.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Let your loved one know that you’ve noticed they might be having trouble hearing and that you’re bringing it up 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 example, you might 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”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. Urge your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having difficulty understanding. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in noisy environments. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during get-togethers.
Discussing long-term solutions
Once your loved one feels supported and recognizes that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can gently present the idea of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to face alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the whole 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 experiences together.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. 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 an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you might talk about 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. Perhaps you could say something like “Hearing aids will improve your life and help you get greater joy from social connections, and there are so many options to select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
Families supporting each other is the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to address a family member’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them find the joy of family get-togethers once again. Don’t miss the chance to have this heartfelt discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday gatherings will be that much more enjoyable and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this essential first step. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your encouraging care and empathy.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this significant discussion. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the entire year.