Family Thanksgiving get-togethers are a time of storytelling, laughter, and, of course, giving thanks. It also provides a perfect caring environment to tackle essential health concerns, and this includes hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a holiday when family members get together, making it the perfect time to broach the topic of hearing loss with loved ones who may be dealing with it and encourage them to seek solutions.
Planning a conversation to support your loved one
Creating a welcoming environment for somebody with hearing loss can make a big difference during a family get-together. The following are some suggestions to help everyone feel comfortable, especially loved ones who are coping with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Your loved one will feel more included in conversations if you seat them near the middle of the table. If you seat them at the end of the table, they will miss out on conversations taking place a little further away.
- 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 seem like an ambush to your loved one, and everyone can be ready to contribute positively. 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: Keep music and other background noises at a low volume. It will be easier to have a concentrated discussion with your loved one without the distraction of loud background noise. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present significant distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Delicately broaching the conversation
It’s essential to be thoughtful when initiating a conversation about a sensitive topic like hearing loss. Thanksgiving is a time when families get together and show support for each other and express gratitude, making it the perfect setting for this discussion. The following are some guidelines about how to approach this discussion:
- Address the Problem with Compassion: 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 focusing on the issue itself, talk more about how they can improve their quality of life. You might say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family gatherings, and it seems as if you may be having difficulty keeping up with conversations”.
- Offer Immediate Tips for Better Communication: Recommend simple changes that can help in the short term. 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 it’s fine to ask people to repeat themselves in loud settings. By utilizing these guidelines, your loved one will feel less frustrated and more included at gatherings.
- Convey Gratitude and Care: Start by conveying how much your loved one means to you. Discuss how fortunate you feel to have them in your life. This creates a positive atmosphere and makes it clear that your worries stems from a place of love and care.
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 delicately broach 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. Offer to help establish the appointment or go with them for support. Help them comprehend that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a better idea of their .
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If your loved one seems to be open to the conversation, solutions like hearing aids can be discussed. Help them understand that hearing aids are discreet and will better their quality of life by improving their ability to participate in conversations and engage in social interactions. You could say something like, “There are so many excellent options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to join in the conversations”.
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they understand that they won’t have to go through any of the process alone. Let them know that the family is there to support them through the entire process, from scheduling appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids if necessary. Reinforce that taking this step is about enhancing their general quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
Families supporting one another is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is about joining together and showing our love and appreciation for one another. Thanksgiving is the ideal time to address a loved one’s hearing loss as a meaningful show of support that will help them find the joy of family get-togethers once more. Don’t miss the chance to have this heartfelt discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Inspiring your loved one to take the first step towards better hearing can make future holidays even more unforgettable and enjoyable for everybody involved. By showing care and empathy, you will help them feel less isolated and more included in the moments that matter most.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to have this important conversation. This act of love will improve their lives every day not just during the holiday season.