Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring atmosphere to address important health concerns, and this includes 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
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you cultivate a caring and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, especially for people 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 may struggle to hear discussions happening further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Let other family members know that you plan to bring up the subject of hearing loss. This way, it won’t seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to make contributions 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. It will be easier to have a concentrated conversation with your family member without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present substantial distractions and it’s a good idea to turn them off before the discussion.
Approaching the conversation with care
It’s important to be thoughtful when beginning a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving offers an ideal setting to have this discussion because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for each other. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this conversation:
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Suggest small, helpful short-term changes. If your loved one is having a difficult time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to request that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that when they are in loud settings, it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves. By employing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at get-togethers.
- Express Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Talk about how fortunate you feel to have them as a part of your life. This allows your loved one to know that you care about, and are concerned about their well-being, creating a positive tone from the outset.
- Address the Problem with Empathy: Inform your loved one that it seems as if they might be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Instead of concentrating on the problem itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. For instance, 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 really enjoy our family gatherings”.
Long-term solution should be discussed
Once your loved one feels supported and recognizes that the discussion comes from a place of concern, you can delicately present the concept of exploring long-term solutions.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they are aware that they won’t need to deal with any of the process by themselves. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adapting to new hearing aids, reassure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you might talk about potential solutions including hearing aids. Share that modern hearing aids are discreet, effective, and can significantly improve their ability to take part in conversations and enjoy social events. You could say something like, “There are so many fantastic options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to join in the conversations”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Let them know that you will help them make the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Talk about the importance of having their hearing evaluated in order to identify the state of their hearing health.
Families supporting each other is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for each other. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to address a family member’s hearing loss as a thoughtful show of support that will help them experience the happiness of family gatherings once more. 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 improved hearing can make future holidays even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. Help them feel more included and less isolated with your encouraging care and compassion.
Take a little time to begin this important discussion this Thanksgiving. This act of love will better their lives every day not just during the holiday season.
