Family Thanksgiving gatherings are a time of storytelling, merriment, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring environment to tackle important health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family gathers together, making it the perfect time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who might be coping with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Organizing a conversation to support your loved one
Developing a welcoming setting for somebody with hearing loss can make a huge difference during a family get-together. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everybody, particularly for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to talk about the subject of hearing loss. This will allow everyone to be prepared for the discussion and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel as if they are being ambushed. When the entire family is aware and involved, the discussion is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Position your loved one near the center of the table where they are more likely to be involved in conversations. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will lose out on conversations happening a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a lower volume. This reduces distractions and makes it much easier for your family member to pay attention to the conversation. Consider turning off the TV or other audio devices that might increase the noise.
Approaching the conversation with compassion
Bringing up 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 one another and give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this conversation. Here’s how to tackle the discussion:
- Express Gratitude and Care: Begin by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Talk about how thankful you are that they are part of your life. This lets your loved one know that you care about, and are worried about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the beginning.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they may be having difficulty hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of focusing on the problem 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 from these family get-togethers, and it seems as if you may be having trouble keeping up with conversations”.
- 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 ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that when they are in noisy environments, 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.
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 gently initiate the idea of long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t need to go through any of the process by themselves. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adapting to new hearing aids if necessary. Help them understand that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall enhanced quality of life by taking this step.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be mentioned. Help them understand that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by enhancing their ability to take part in conversations and engage in social connections. Maybe 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 choose from, you will easily find a solution that works for you”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Suggest scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is a simple, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
The true spirit of Thanksgiving: supporting each other
Thanksgiving is about coming together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Approaching a loved one’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 miss the opportunity to have this heartfelt discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Encouraging your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. Help them feel more included and less separated with your supportive care and empathy.
Take a little time to begin this significant discussion this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not only during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.