At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, loved ones, and talking. But when a loved one is dealing with hearing loss, they might feel disconnected at the dinner table, even in the company of people who care.
While one might hesitate, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Serves As an Ideal Time to Raise the Topic
The dinner table is where tales are exchanged, jokes are made, and updates are exchanged. A person with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve observed a loved one shying away from conversation, often asking others to repeat themselves, or misinterpreting what is said.
The benefit? The people they trust most are there, making it simpler for them to feel affirmed rather than put on the spot.
Steps to modify the environment for less challenging talking
Prior to beginning this discussion, implementing minor adjustments to the setting can significantly improve your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday celebration.
- Lower background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- Be mindful of seating. Place your loved one in the center or close to people they talk with most easily.
- Provide 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 give empathy and support.
Applying these straightforward adjustments will ease communication barriers and help reduce the emotional pressure of talking about health.
Approaching the discussion in a way that avoids causing Pain
The key to a positive conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Do not make the talk sound like a demand for immediate action or correction. Instead, gently express that you’ve observed they seem to have struggled to hear and that you want to help, not criticize.
“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. Your loved one might express relief that the issue was addressed, or they might reject the idea outright. Either way, don’t push. Just offer your support and plan to discuss it again later if necessary.
Offering support and helpful information
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.
- 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. Knowing 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.
You shouldn’t aim to resolve the entire situation in a single talk. It’s to plant a beginning of support that can develop.
A holiday of gratitude, and a step toward better hearing
Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the people we love, and sometimes that means having meaningful conversations that lead to a higher life quality. Bringing up hearing loss may feel uncomfortable at first, but doing so in a supportive, familiar setting can help your loved one feel recognized, supported, and ready to take the next step.
This Thanksgiving, if a person you care for is struggling with hearing difficulties, consider starting the discussion. Taking action could lead to a significant difference in their life.