At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around shared meals, family members, and talking. A loved one with hearing loss, though seated by caring family, can often feel disconnected during the meal.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to address something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a gentle, supportive chance to open the door to a discussion about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Acts As an Opportune Time to Raise the Topic
The dinner table is where stories are shared, humor is enjoyed, and news is shared. Regrettably, for individuals whose hearing loss is untreated, this setting often proves to be difficult and isolating. Thanksgiving is an opportune moment to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve observed a loved one shying away from conversation, having to ask for frequent repeats, or misinterpreting what is said.
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.
Steps to adjust the environment for less challenging talking
Small environmental modifications, made before any discussion begins, can boost your loved one’s comfort and confidence level during the event.
- Reduce background noise. Turn down background noise by keeping the TV or music volume low to lessen auditory distractions.
- Consider the seating carefully. Seat your loved one near the table’s center or close to family members they easily converse with.
- Well-lit spaces help 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.
These simple adjustments help ease both communication challenges and any emotional tension that may arise from discussing health topics.
A guide to raising the topic gently and avoiding discomfort
The key to a successful conversation is approaching it from a place of care, not correction. Avoid turning the conversation into a “you need to fix this” moment. Instead, gently voice that you’ve noticed 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?”
Let them talk. Give them time to respond. They might feel relieved that you noticed, or it’s possible they will ignore the comment. Don’t force the issue no matter what their response is. Offer your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
Offering encouragement and resources
When your loved one is open to seeking solutions, be ready to offer some helpful, gentle suggestions:
- Suggest a hearing evaluation, explaining that the test is simple and non-invasive.
- Normalize the idea by comparing hearing aids to glasses; both are tools that improve quality of life without negative stigma.
- Stress the benefits. Better hearing can improve relationships, reduce stress, and increase confidence.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. Instead, aim to plant a seed of support that has the potential to grow.
Thanksgiving: A time for thanks and a move to better hearing
The holiday of Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude for loved ones, it sometimes requires important conversations that can enhance their quality of life. Raising 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.
This Thanksgiving, if a person you care for is struggling with hearing difficulties, consider starting the discussion. The result could be a truly life-changing difference.