Typically, Thanksgiving is a gathering of eating, family bonds, and communicating. When someone you care about copes with hearing loss, they may feel isolated at the dinner table, even with the loving family present.
A holiday gathering, even though it’s a celebration, provides a perfectly supportive space to initiate a dialogue about one’s hearing health.
Why This Holiday Serves As an Opportune Time to Raise the Topic
Mealtimes are when family members share narratives, tell humorous anecdotes, and exchange recent developments. Unfortunately, for individuals whose hearing loss is untreated, this setting often proves to be challenging and isolating. Should you perceive a loved one retreating from discussions, consistently needing things repeated, or misunderstanding more than usual, Thanksgiving provides a chance to show supportive concern.
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 dialogue
Before bringing up the topic, small changes to your environment can make a huge impact for your loved one’s comfort 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 where they sit. Seat your loved one in the middle of the table or near people they talk with most easily.
- Use ample light. Well-lit spaces make it easier for someone with hearing loss to read facial expressions and lip movements.
- Communicate your intentions. Discreetly let close family members understand you’d like to bring up the topic in a supportive way so they can back you up with empathy.
These simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
How to approach the topic without causing discomfort
The key to a constructive conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Refrain from the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Alternatively, kindly 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?”
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. Offer your support and bring it up again if needed.
Providing support and information for the next stage
If your loved one is willing to consider the idea of exploring solutions, be ready with a few helpful, non-intimidating recommendations:
- Mention a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Normalize the use of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Offer to join them for the appointment. Knowing they won’t be alone can be the most impactful element.
- Better hearing can lead to better relationships, decreased stress, and enhanced confidence, so be sure to emphasize these benefits.
You shouldn’t aim to resolve the entire situation in a single talk. It’s to plant a seed of support that can flourish.
How this holiday of gratitude can be a step towards improved hearing
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the people we love, and sometimes that means having significant conversations that lead to a higher life quality. Addressing hearing loss may be awkward at first, but in a familiar and supportive setting, it can help your loved one feel recognized, supported, and prepared to move forward.
Consider this year’s Thanksgiving as the moment to start the conversation if you have a loved one dealing with hearing issues. Taking action could lead to a significant difference in their life.