Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and conversation. If a person you care about faces hearing loss, they may feel isolated at the dinner table, regardless of the loving family around them.
Although it feels counterintuitive to bring up such a personal topic, a holiday event can offer a gentle and supportive way to start a discussion regarding hearing health.
The Reasons Thanksgiving Provides a Natural Time for This Discussion
When gathered for dinner, people share stories, tell jokes, and exchange life updates. Yet, for a person with untreated hearing loss, this scene can quickly become a source of frustration and isolation. When you observe a relative withdrawing from the discussion, often requesting repetition, or not hearing correctly, Thanksgiving is the right time to express your concern with support and kindness.
The benefit? The people they trust most are there, making it simpler for them to feel encouraged rather than put on the spot.
Creating a supportive space for enhanced interaction
Small environmental modifications, made before you start to talk, can boost your loved one’s comfort and confidence level during the event.
- Cut down on background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- When seating, be mindful. Seat your loved one centrally or with the people they interact with best.
- Use good lighting. Well-lit spaces make it easier for someone with hearing loss to see 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 adjustments help ease both communication challenges and any emotional tension that may come with discussing health topics.
Approaching the conversation in a way that minimizes causing Pain
A crucial element for a positive conversation is starting from a position of support, not criticism. Avoid turning the conversation into a “you need to fix this” moment. Instead, kindly convey that you’ve noticed they are struggling to hear and your motivation is support, not criticism.
“I appreciate us spending time together, and my hope is that you can fully participate. It seems like you have trouble catching everything sometimes. Have you considered scheduling a hearing evaluation?”
Allow them to speak and offer a response. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. In either situation, do not pressure them. Simply offer your support and plan to discuss it again another time if necessary.
Offering support and resources
If your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- Discuss hearing evaluations, clarifying that a hearing test is an easy and non-invasive procedure.
- Compare hearing aids to wearing eyeglasses to normalize the discussion—both devices enhance life quality free from stigma.
- Volunteer to accompany them. It often happens that knowing they have company.
- 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. The purpose is to plant the initial seed of support that can flourish over time.
making thanksgiving a time for thanks and an opportunity to enhance hearing
Because Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude for loved ones, it sometimes calls for important conversations that can enhance their 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.
If you have a loved one is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. It might just lead to a life-changing difference.