Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It’s also a good occasion to address important health concerns, such as hearing loss, in a supportive and caring environment. With loved ones gathered around, this holiday can be a perfect moment to initiate a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage seeking solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
During family get-togethers, it can make a big difference for a loved one with hearing loss, if you create a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are a few guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable, especially family members who are dealing with hearing loss:
- 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 electronic devices that might increase the noise.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position 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 could struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you mention 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 prepared to contribute positively. It will seem more like a family support system and less like criticism, for the individual with hearing loss, when the entire family is involved.
Approaching the discussion with care
Talking about hearing loss can be delicate, and it’s important to approach it with compassion. Thanksgiving offers a perfect setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. The following are some tips about how to deal with this discussion:
- Address the Issue with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Structure the conversation around improving their quality of life instead of concentrating on the problem itself. For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little 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: Begin by expressing how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how blessed you feel to have them in your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the beginning.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small, helpful short-term changes. Urge your loved one to ask others to speak more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that when they are in loud settings, it’s acceptable to ask people to repeat themselves. By utilizing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at get-togethers.
Discussing long-term solutions
After you put your loved one at ease by letting them know how much you care about them, it’s time to gently initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- 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. Help them understand that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the discussion is going well, you could talk about potential solutions including hearing aids. Express that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can substantially better their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social events. You could 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”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Point out 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 entire process, from making appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if needed. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
Families showing support for each other is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Coming together with loved ones and showing support is the real spirit of Thanksgiving. 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 gatherings. Don’t fail to take advantage of this loving and supportive environment to have a heartfelt discussion about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive 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 only during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.