Thanksgiving is all about meals, kin, and dialogue. Nevertheless, if a loved one has difficulty with hearing loss, they might feel removed at the dinner table, despite being surrounded by caring individuals.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to talk about something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a subtle, supportive moment to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Serves As an Opportune Time to Raise the Topic
It’s around the dinner table that memories are shared, laughter is sparked, and life updates are communicated. A person with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. If you’ve observed a family member retreating from conversation, frequently requesting repetitions, or mishearing more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a opportune moment to acknowledge your concern with compassion and support.
It’s helpful because their most trusted family members are nearby, creating a feeling of support rather than accusation.
Creating a supportive setting for enhanced interaction
Before beginning this discussion, implementing minor adjustments to the setting can significantly improve your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday celebration.
- Reduce background noise. Keep songs or the TV volume muted to help minimize auditory distractions.
- When seating, be mindful. Seat your loved one centrally or with the people they interact with best.
- Ensure good lighting, as well-lit areas allow people with hearing loss to more easily observe lip and facial movements.
- Share your intentions. Privately let close family members know you’d like to bring up the topic in a supportive way so they can reinforce your message with empathy.
These simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of addressing health concerns.
How to approach the topic without causing discomfort
The focus of a productive discussion should be on care and support, not on correction. Ensure the discussion does not become a directive demanding immediate change. Rather, 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?”
Encourage them to speak and give them adequate time to reply. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. Whatever their answer, avoid pushing the matter. Offer your support and revisit it later if needed.
tips for presenting encouragement and useful 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.
- Validate the conversation. Compare hearing aids to using glasses—both improve well-being without 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 purpose is to plant the initial seed of support that can flourish over time.
making thanksgiving a time for thanks and an opportunity to improve hearing
The holiday of Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude for loved ones, it sometimes calls for important conversations that can enhance their quality of life. Bringing up hearing loss may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing so in a supportive, familiar setting can help your loved one feel seen, supported, and ready to take the next step.
Consider this year’s Thanksgiving as the moment to start the conversation if you have a loved one dealing with hearing issues. It might just lead to a transformative difference.