At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around eating together, family members, and talking. A loved one with hearing loss, even when surrounded by caring family, can easily feel disconnected during the meal.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to discuss something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a soft, supportive chance to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Serves As an Opportune Time to Raise the Topic
The dinner table is where stories are shared, humor is enjoyed, and updates are exchanged. But for someone with untreated hearing loss, this environment can be frustrating and isolating. Thanksgiving is an opportune moment to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve seen a loved one avoiding conversation, having to ask for frequent repeats, or making more errors in hearing.
The benefit? The people they trust most are on hand, making it more straightforward for them to feel affirmed rather than called out.
Creating a supportive setting for improved interaction
Before beginning this discussion, making minor adjustments to the setting can significantly improve your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday celebration.
- Minimize background noise. Minimize background noise by keeping the TV or music volume low to lessen auditory distractions.
- Consider the seating carefully. Seat your loved one near the table’s center or close to family members they easily converse with.
- Ensure good lighting, as well-lit areas allow people with hearing loss to more easily observe lip and facial movements.
- Let close family relatives that you plan to bring up the topic supportively so they are ready to add their empathy and support.
Such simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
Approaching the conversation in a way that minimizes causing Pain
The key to a successful conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Ensure the discussion does not become a directive demanding immediate change. Instead, gently mention that you’ve perceived hearing difficulty and that your goal is to help, not pass judgment.
“It’s wonderful that we are together today, and I hope you are enjoying every moment. I’ve noticed you struggle to hear at times. Has getting your hearing tested crossed your mind?”
Give them a moment to talk and share their thoughts. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Regardless of their reaction, do not pressure them. Offer your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
Providing morale and information for the next move
If they seem willing to look into solutions, you should be prepared with some non-intimidating and helpful recommendations.
- Talk about hearing tests. Inform them that an evaluation is a simple, non-invasive process.
- Normalize the use 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. The true aim is to begin a foundation of support that can expand.
How this holiday of gratitude can be a step towards improved hearing
We are thankful for the people we love during Thanksgiving, and occasionally that means engaging in important conversations that can result in a better quality of life. Even if 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.
This Thanksgiving, if a person you care for is facing hearing difficulties, consider starting the discussion. The outcome may be a life-changing improvement.