Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring atmosphere to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect moment to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage finding solutions.
Getting ready for a supportive discussion
Creating a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family gathering. The following are some suggestions to help everybody feel comfortable, particularly loved ones who are coping with hearing loss:
- Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a reduced volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated conversation with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, like the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. If you seat them at the end of the table, they will miss out on discussions happening a little further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to talk about the topic of hearing loss. This will allow everyone to be ready for the discussion and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel like they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to seem like criticism from a single person and more like a family show of support.
Initiating the discussion with compassion
It’s essential to be thoughtful 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 give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this discussion. Here’s how to tackle the conversation:
- Express Gratitude and Care: Start by articulating how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how lucky you feel to have them as a part of your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your concern stems from a place of love and care.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small changes that can help in the short term. 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 what they said in noisy settings. By implementing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one 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 focusing on the issue itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. You may say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family get-togethers, and it seems like you may be having a hard time following conversations”.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and understands that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can delicately present the idea of exploring long-term solutions.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you might talk about potential solutions like hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, reliable, and can significantly improve their ability to participate in conversations and enjoy social activities. Perhaps 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 select from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they need to confront alone. Let them know that the family is there to comfort them through the entire process, from making 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.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing test 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. Talk about the importance of having their hearing tested in order to determine the state of their hearing health.
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to tackle a loved one’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 opportunity to have this heartfelt conversation in a setting where they can feel the full support of their family.
Motivating your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. By exhibiting care and empathy, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a minute to have this significant discussion. This act of love will improve their lives every day not only during the holiday season.