Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also offers a perfect caring atmosphere to tackle essential 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.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member who has hearing loss, if you create a compassionate and welcoming vibe. Here are a few tips to ensure your home is comfortable for everyone, especially for individuals who may struggle to hear clearly:
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Inform other family members that you plan to bring up the topic of hearing loss. This way, it won’t feel like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be prepared to make contributions in a positive way. When the entire family is aware and involved, the conversation is less likely to feel like criticism from a single person and more like a collective show of support.
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you seat them near the center of the table. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will lose out on discussions taking place a little further away.
Minimize Background Noise: Keep music and other ambient noises at a lower volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated conversation with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Think about turning off the TV or other electronic devices that may increase the noise.
Approaching the discussion with compassion
It’s essential to be thoughtful when beginning a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for each other and give thanks, making it the ideal setting for this discussion. The following are some tips about how to approach this discussion:
- 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 problem itself, talk more about how they can enhance their quality of life. For example, you might say, “I’ve noticed it’s been a little harder for you to follow with conversations lately, and I want to make sure you can really enjoy our family gatherings”.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to let your loved one know that they mean a lot to you. Discuss how blessed you feel to have them as a part of your life. This sets a positive tone and makes it clear that your worries stems from a place of care and love.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend small changes that can help in the short term. Urge your loved one to ask others to talk more slowly or clearly if they’re having trouble understanding. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in loud settings. These approaches can help them feel more included and less frustrated during gatherings.
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: Emphasize that seeking treatment for hearing loss isn’t something they will have to face alone. 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. Help them comprehend that they will be able to better enjoy precious moments with loved ones and an overall improved quality of life by taking this step.
- 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 better their ability to participate in conversations and enjoy social events. 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: Advocate for your loved one to schedule a hearing exam as the next thing they should do. Offer to help set up the appointment or go with them for support. Talk about the importance of having their hearing assessed 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 one another. Approaching a family member’s hearing loss during this time can be a thoughtful way to offer support and help them reconnect with the happiness of family get-togethers. Don’t fail to make the most of this loving and supportive environment to have a heartfelt conversation about your loved one’s hearing loss.
Motivating 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 encouraging care and empathy.
Take a little time to initiate this important discussion this Thanksgiving. This act of love will improve their lives every day not just during the holiday season.