At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, family members, and engaging in conversation. But when a loved one is dealing with hearing loss, they might feel out of touch at the dinner table, even in the company of people who care.
A holiday gathering, even though it’s a celebration, provides a gentle and appropriate setting to initiate a dialogue about their hearing health.
Why Thanksgiving is a good opportunity for this conversation
At the dinner table family members share narratives, crack jokes, and catch up on news. However, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this atmosphere can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. If you’ve noticed a family member retreating from conversation, always asking for clarification, or mishearing more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a good time 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 adjust the environment for seamless talking
Before beginning this discussion, implementing minor adjustments to the setting can greatly enhance your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday event.
- Cut down on background noise. Keep songs or the TV volume low to help cut down on auditory distractions.
- Give careful thought to seating arrangements. Position the loved one centrally or beside those they find easiest to talk with.
- Ensure good lighting, as well-lit areas allow people with hearing loss to more easily observe lip and facial movements.
- Let close family members that you plan to bring up the topic supportively so they are ready to give empathy and support.
These simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of addressing health concerns.
Methods to broach this issue without causing offense
The key to a positive conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Avoid turning the conversation into a “you need to fix this” moment. Alternatively, softly convey that you’ve noticed they are struggling to hear and your motivation is support, not criticism.
“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?”
Encourage them to speak and give them adequate time to reply. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Don’t force the issue no matter what their response is. Just offer your support and plan to discuss it again later if necessary.
Offering support and helpful information
If your loved one is receptive to the idea of exploring solutions, be ready with a few supportive, non-intimidating suggestions:
- Bring up hearing tests. Tell them that an evaluation is a simple, non-invasive process.
- Make the topic seem normal of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Better hearing can lead to better relationships, decreased stress, and enhanced confidence, so be sure to emphasize these benefits.
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.
How this holiday of gratitude can be a step towards healthier hearing
The holiday of Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude for loved ones, it sometimes requires important conversations that can enhance their quality of life. 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. It might just lead to a life-changing difference.