At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, loved ones, and talking. But when a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, they might feel isolated at the dinner table, even surrounded by people who care.
While one might hesitate, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Serves As an Opportune Time to Raise the Topic
It’s around the dinner table that memories are shared, laughter is heard, and life updates are communicated. But for someone with untreated hearing loss, this situation can be irritating and isolating. If you’ve observed a family member retreating from conversation, frequently requesting repetitions, or misunderstanding more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a prime moment to acknowledge your concern with empathy and support.
The advantage lies in the fact that their most trusted family members are nearby, creating a feeling of support rather than accusation.
Creating a supportive space for enhanced dialogue
Making a few simple environmental changes before the conversation can significantly help your loved one’s confidence and comfort during the gathering.
- Reduce background noise. Keep auditory distractions to a minimum; this means keeping the TV or music volume low.
- When seating, think carefully. 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.
- Let close family members that you plan to mention the topic supportively so they are ready to add their empathy and support.
Making these simple changes helps alleviate communication difficulties and lessens any emotional stress associated with discussing health.
Methods to broach this subject without causing offense
The key to a successful conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Don’t let the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Rather, gently mention that you’ve seen signs of hearing difficulty and that your goal is to help, not pass judgment.
“I appreciate us spending time together, and my hope is that you can fully participate. It seems like you have trouble catching everything sometimes. Have you considered scheduling a hearing evaluation?”
Give them a moment to talk and share their thoughts. They might feel relieved that you noticed, or it’s possible they will ignore the comment. Whatever their answer, avoid pushing the matter. Provide your support, and if the time is right, bring it up later.
Providing support and information for the next steps
When your loved one is open to seeking solutions, be ready to offer some helpful, gentle suggestions:
- 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.
- Stress the benefits. Better hearing can improve relationships, reduce stress, and boost confidence.
It is not the purpose to solve all the issues during this initial discussion. Rather, aim to plant a seed of support that has the potential to grow.
Thanksgiving: A time for thanks and a move to improved hearing
Thanksgiving time is centered on being grateful for our loved ones, and this sometimes involves having necessary discussions that ultimately improve their lives. Raising hearing loss may be awkward at first, but in a familiar and supportive setting, it can help your loved one feel recognized, supported, and prepared 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 significant difference.