Typically, Thanksgiving is a gathering of sharing food, kinship, and talking together. When someone you care about copes with hearing loss, they may feel isolated at the dinner table, regardless of the loving family present.
Even though it might seem inappropriate to bring up such a personal topic, a holiday setting can offer a gentle and supportive way to start a discussion regarding hearing health.
The Reasons Thanksgiving Provides a Natural Time for This Discussion
It’s around the dinner table that personal stories are shared, laughter is heard, and life updates are communicated. But for someone with untreated hearing loss, this setting can be irritating and lonely. When you notice a relative withdrawing from the discussion, demanding frequent repeats, or mishearing things, Thanksgiving is the right time to express your concern with support and kindness.
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 setting for improved interaction
Before initiating the talk, small changes to your environment can make a big difference for your loved one’s ease and confidence during the gathering:
- Reduce background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- Be mindful of placement. Position your loved one in the center or close to people they communicate with most easily.
- Use ample light. Areas with good light make it simpler for someone with hearing loss to read facial expressions and lip movements.
- 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.
These simple adjustments help ease both communication challenges and any emotional tension that may accompany discussing health topics.
How to approach the topic without causing discomfort
A crucial element for a positive conversation is originating from a position of support, not criticism. Ensure the discussion does not become a directive demanding immediate change. Alternatively, softly convey that you’ve noticed they are struggling to hear and your motivation is support, not criticism.
“I’m so glad we’re all here, and I truly want you to be able to enjoy the day without stress. I’ve seen that you are having some difficulty hearing the conversation. Have you thought about checking your hearing recently?”
Give them a moment to talk and share their thoughts. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. Regardless of their reaction, do not pressure them. Show them your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
tips for giving encouragement and helpful resources
If your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- Mention a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Normalize the idea by comparing hearing aids to glasses; both are tools that improve quality of life without negative stigma.
- Offer to go with them. Often, knowing they’re not alone makes the most impact.
- Point out the advantages: improved relationships, reduced stress levels, and a boost in self-assurance are all outcomes of better hearing.
It is not the purpose to solve all the issues during this initial discussion. The true aim is to begin a foundation of support that can expand.
Thanksgiving: A time for thanks and a move to improved hearing
It’s a time to be grateful for the people we love during Thanksgiving, and occasionally that means engaging in important conversations that can result in a better quality of life. While discussing hearing loss can be initially uncomfortable, addressing it in a familiar, warm environment helps your loved one feel seen, supported, and ready for action.
Take this Thanksgiving as the moment to start the conversation if you have a loved one dealing with hearing issues. It may be a life-changing improvement.