At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, family members, and talking. But when a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, they might feel out of touch at the dinner table, even in the company of people who care.
A holiday gathering, despite its formality, provides a perfectly supportive opportunity to initiate a dialogue about one’s hearing health.
The Logic Behind Using Thanksgiving for a Hearing Health Conversation
The dinner table is where tales are exchanged, humor is enjoyed, and news is shared. Someone with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. If you’ve observed a family member pulling back from conversation, frequently requesting repetitions, or failing to hear correctly more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a opportune moment 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.
Preparing the environment for easier communication
Prior to beginning this discussion, making minor adjustments to the setting can significantly improve your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday event.
- Minimize background noise. Keep songs or the TV volume down to help minimize auditory distractions.
- Give careful thought to seating arrangements. Position the loved one centrally or beside those they find easiest to talk with.
- Well-lit spaces assist those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- Inform close relatives in a quiet way that you plan to discuss the topic supportively so they can offer empathetic support.
Making these straightforward adjustments will ease communication barriers and help reduce the emotional pressure of talking about health.
Approaching the discussion in a way that minimizes causing Pain
For a successful discussion, approach the topic with care rather than a desire to correct or fix. Try not to make the talk sound like a demand for immediate action or correction. Gently state that you’ve noticed their hearing difficulties and offer help, making it clear that you are not criticizing.
“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?”
Provide space to talk and share their thoughts. They may feel a sense of ease that someone noticed, or they may brush it off. Either way, don’t push. Just offer your support and plan to discuss it again another time if necessary.
What to provide: support and practical resources
When your loved one is open to seeking solutions, be ready to offer some helpful, gentle suggestions:
- Discuss hearing evaluations, clarifying that a hearing test is an easy and non-invasive procedure.
- Make the topic seem normal of hearing aids by comparing them to glasses, which similarly improve life quality without causing stigma.
- Offer to attend the appointment with them. This feeling they have company can make the most significant difference.
- Focus on the benefits; improved hearing often leads to stronger relationships, less stress, and increased confidence.
It is not the purpose to solve all the issues during this initial discussion. The purpose is to plant the initial seed of support that can flourish over time.
A holiday of gratitude, and a step toward better hearing
Thanksgiving time is centered on being grateful for our loved ones, and this sometimes involves having necessary discussions that ultimately improve their lives. 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 take the next step.
If someone you care about is dealing with hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. The outcome could be a truly life-changing difference.
