Thanksgiving is a treasured time for family get-togethers, filled with merriment, stories, and moments of gratitude. It also provides a perfect caring atmosphere to address important health concerns, including hearing loss. With family members gathered around, this holiday can serve as a perfect time to start a conversation about hearing troubles and encourage seeking solutions.
Planning a discussion to support your loved one
During family gatherings, it can make a big difference for a family member with hearing loss, if you create a compassionate and welcoming vibe. The following are some guidelines to help everybody feel comfortable, particularly family members who are coping with hearing loss:
- Thoughtful Seating Arrangements: Seat your loved one near the middle of the table where they are more likely to be included in conversations. If you sit them at the end of the table, they will miss out on discussions happening a little further away.
- Notify Family Members in Advance: Be sure you discuss your plan to talk about hearing loss with your other members of the family. This will allow everyone to be ready for the conversation and your family member with hearing loss won’t feel like they are being ambushed. 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.
Minimize Background Noise: Try to keep background noise, including music, at a lower volume. This decreases distractions and makes it easier for your loved one to pay attention to the conversation. Electronic devices, such as the TV, can present considerable distractions and it’s a smart plan to turn them off before the conversation.
Delicately broaching the discussion
It’s essential to be thoughtful when initiating a conversation about a sensitive subject like hearing loss. Thanksgiving provides an ideal setting to have this conversation because it’s a time when families express gratitude and show support for one another. Here’s how to approach the conversation:
- Convey Gratitude and Care: The first thing to do is to tell your loved one that they mean a lot to you. Mention how thankful you are that they are part of 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.
- Address the Problem with Compassion: Inform your loved one that it seems like they may be having a hard time hearing and that you’re concerned for their well-being. Frame the discussion around improving their quality of life rather than focusing on the problem itself. You might say something like “I want to help you get the most out of these family get-togethers, and it seems like you may be having trouble 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 difficult time understanding what people are saying, encourage them to ask that people speak more slowly and clearly. Remind them that it’s okay to ask people to repeat themselves in loud environments. By employing 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.
- Introduce the Idea of Hearing Aids: If the conversation is going well, you could talk about potential solutions including hearing aids. 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 can say something like, “There are so many excellent options now that could help you hear better and make it easier to be a part of conversations”.
- Propose a Hearing Test: Encourage scheduling a hearing test as the next step. Inform them that you will help them make the appointment and of course, you will be there with them for support. Help them understand that a hearing test is an easy, non-invasive way to get a clearer picture of their .
- Reassure Ongoing Family Support: Make sure they know that they won’t have to go through any of the process by themselves. From the process of scheduling and going to the appointments to adjusting to new hearing aids, assure them that their family is there to help. Reinforce that taking this step is about improving their overall quality of life and enjoying more moments together.
Families supporting one another is the real spirit of Thanksgiving.
Getting together with loved ones and offering 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 happiness of family get-togethers. Don’t miss the chance to have this sincere discussion in an environment where they can feel the full support of their family.
Future holiday get-togethers will be that much more pleasant and unforgettable after you have successfully encouraged your loved one to take this significant first step. By exhibiting care and empathy, you will help them feel less separated and more included in the moments that matter most.
Take a little time to initiate this significant conversation this Thanksgiving. It’s an act of love that could improve their experience not just during the holiday season, but throughout the whole year.