At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, loved ones, and engaging in conversation. If a person you care about copes with hearing loss, they may perceive themselves as isolated at the dinner table, regardless of the loving family present.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to talk about something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a gentle, supportive moment to open the door to a conversation about hearing health.
The Reasons Thanksgiving Provides a Natural Time for This Discussion
Mealtimes are when family members recount stories, crack jokes, and catch up on news. Regrettably, for individuals whose hearing loss is untreated, this setting often proves to be challenging and isolating. When you observe a relative withdrawing from the discussion, often requesting repetition, or not hearing correctly, Thanksgiving can be the right time to voice your concern with empathy and kindness.
The positive aspect is that their most trusted people are present, which helps them feel encouraged instead of criticized.
Steps to modify the environment for less challenging talking
Making a few simple environmental changes before the conversation can significantly help your loved one’s confidence and comfort throughout the gathering.
- Minimize background noise. Turn down background noise by keeping the TV or music volume low to lessen auditory distractions.
- Give careful thought to seating arrangements. Position the loved one centrally or beside those they find easiest to talk with.
- Having good lighting is important because it assists someone with hearing loss in interpreting lip movements and facial expressions.
- Express your intentions. Quietly let close family members understand you’d like to bring up the topic in a supportive way so they can offer aid with empathy.
Executing these simple changes helps reduce communication difficulties and lessens any emotional stress associated with discussing health.
Methods to raise this issue without causing offense
A crucial element for a positive conversation is starting from a position of support, not criticism. Ensure the discussion does not become a directive demanding immediate change. Gently state that you’ve noticed their hearing difficulties and offer help, emphasizing that you are not criticizing.
“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?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. They may feel relief that someone noticed, or they may brush it off. Don’t force the issue no matter what their response is. Provide your support, and if the time is right, bring it up later.
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.
- Make the topic seem normal of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Offer to go with them. Often, knowing they’re not alone makes the most impact.
- Better hearing can lead to better relationships, decreased stress, and enhanced confidence, so be sure to emphasize these benefits.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. It’s to plant a seed of support that can develop.
A holiday of gratitude, and a step toward better hearing
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the people we love, and sometimes that means having important conversations that lead to a higher life quality. Bringing up hearing loss may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing so in a warm, familiar setting can help your loved one feel recognized, supported, and ready to act.
If someone you love is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. It may be a life-changing improvement.