At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around eating together, loved ones, and talking. However, if a family member has difficulty with hearing loss, they could feel removed at the dinner table, despite being surrounded by caring people.
Contrary to initial thought, 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 Broach the Topic
The dinner table is where stories are shared, jokes are made, and updates are exchanged. Nonetheless, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this atmosphere can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. If you’ve observed a family member withdrawing from conversation, always asking for clarification, or failing to hear correctly more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a opportune moment to acknowledge your concern with empathy and support.
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.
Steps to modify the environment for less challenging talking
Before initiating the talk, small changes to your environment can make a big difference for your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the gathering:
- Minimize background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- Give careful thought to seating arrangements. Position the loved one centrally or beside those they find easiest to talk with.
- Well-lit spaces help those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- 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 arise from discussing health topics.
Approaching the discussion in a way that avoids causing Pain
To ensure a positive outcome, approach the topic with care rather than a desire to correct or fix. Don’t let the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Instead, gently mention that you’ve seen signs of hearing difficulty and that your goal is to help, not pass judgment.
“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?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. They might feel relieved that you noticed, or they could ignore the comment. In either situation, do not pressure them. Show them your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
Offering support and helpful information
If they seem willing to look into solutions, you should be prepared with some non-intimidating and helpful recommendations.
- Mention a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Make the topic seem normal of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Offer to join them for the appointment. The knowledge they won’t be alone can be the most impactful element.
- Focus on the benefits; improved hearing can result in stronger relationships, less stress, and increased confidence.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. It’s to plant a foundation of support that can grow.
How this holiday of gratitude can be a step towards healthier 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. Though bringing up hearing loss initially causes discomfort, discussing it in a supportive, familiar place can make your loved one feel supported, recognized, and motivated to act.
If someone you care about is struggling with hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. The result could be a truly life-changing difference.