The Thanksgiving holiday focuses on delicious meals, spending time with loved ones, and meaningful discussions. Yet, if a family member suffers from hearing loss, they may feel removed at the dinner table, even though they are surrounded by caring people.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to discuss something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a soft, supportive chance to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
The Reasons Thanksgiving Provides a Appropriate Time for This Discussion
When gathered for dinner, people share personal anecdotes, tell jokes, and give life updates. However, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this atmosphere can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. Should you see a loved one retreating from discussions, consistently needing things repeated, or failing to hear correctly more than usual, Thanksgiving provides a chance to show supportive concern.
Because those they trust most are present, the individual is more likely to feel a sense of encouragement and less like they are being corrected.
Creating a supportive space for enhanced dialogue
Before bringing up the topic, small changes to your environment can make a noticeable improvement for your loved one’s ease and assurance during the gathering:
- Reduce background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- When seating, be mindful. Seat your loved one centrally or with the people they speak with best.
- Adequate light is important because it assists someone with hearing loss in interpreting lip movements and facial expressions.
- Discreetly communicate your intentions to close family, letting them know you want to discuss the topic supportively, ensuring they can offer empathetic backup.
These simple adjustments help ease both communication challenges and any emotional tension that may accompany discussing health topics.
A guide to raising the topic gently and avoiding discomfort
The key to a helpful conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Try not to make the talk sound like a demand for immediate action or correction. Gently state that you’ve noticed their hearing difficulties and offer help, making it clear that you are not criticizing.
“I love that we’re all together today, and I want to make sure you can enjoy it fully. I’ve noticed it’s sometimes hard for you to hear everything that’s going on. Have you thought about having your hearing checked?”
Allow them to speak and offer a response. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Either way, don’t push. Offer your support and revisit it later if needed.
Offering support and helpful information
If they seem willing to look into solutions, you should be prepared with some non-intimidating and helpful recommendations.
- Suggest a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Normalize the use of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Let them know to join them for the appointment. The knowledge they won’t be alone can be the most impactful element.
- Better hearing can lead to better relationships, decreased stress, and enhanced confidence, so be sure to emphasize these benefits.
You shouldn’t aim to resolve the entire situation in a single talk. The main goal is to begin a foundation of support that can expand.
How this holiday of gratitude can be a step towards improved hearing
The spirit of Thanksgiving is centered on being grateful for our loved ones, and this sometimes involves having necessary discussions that ultimately improve their lives. Bringing up hearing loss may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing so in a supportive, familiar setting can help your loved one feel seen, supported, and ready to move forward.
Consider this year’s Thanksgiving as the moment to start the conversation if you have a loved one dealing with hearing issues. It might just lead to a transformative difference.