Thanksgiving is all about meals, relatives, and discussion. When someone you care about copes with hearing loss, they may perceive themselves as isolated at the dinner table, even with the loving family present.
Although it feels counterintuitive to bring up such a personal topic, a holiday setting can offer a gentle and supportive way to start a discussion regarding hearing health.
Why This Holiday Acts As an Opportune Time to Broach the Topic
At the dinner table family members share narratives, tell humorous anecdotes, and catch up on news. Someone with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. If you notice a relative secluding themselves from the discussion, demanding frequent repeats, or not hearing correctly, Thanksgiving can be the right time to voice your concern with empathy and kindness.
The positive aspect is that their most trusted people are on hand, which helps them feel encouraged instead of criticized.
Preparing the setting for better communication
Prior to beginning this discussion, making minor adjustments to the setting can greatly enhance your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the holiday celebration.
- Reduce background noise. Minimize distracting sounds; keep the volume of the television or music low to reduce auditory interference.
- Consider the seating carefully. Put your loved one near the table’s center or close to family members they easily converse with.
- Use bright illumination. Areas with good light make it easier for someone with hearing loss to read facial expressions and lip movements.
- Communicate your intentions. Quietly let close family members understand you’d like to bring up the topic in a supportive way so they can support you with empathy.
These simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of addressing health concerns.
Methods to broach this topic without causing distress
A crucial element for a positive conversation is originating from a position of support, not criticism. Refrain from the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Instead, gently mention that you’ve perceived hearing difficulty and that your goal is to help, not pass judgment.
“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?”
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. Regardless of their reaction, do not pressure them. Provide your support, and if the time is right, bring it up later.
What to offer: encouragement 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.
- Compare hearing aids to wearing eyeglasses to normalize the discussion—both devices enhance life quality without shame.
- Offer to join them for the appointment. Knowing they won’t be alone can be the most impactful element.
- 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
Thanksgiving time is centered on being grateful for our loved ones, and this sometimes involves having necessary discussions that ultimately improve their lives. While discussing hearing loss can be initially uncomfortable, addressing it in a familiar, warm environment helps your loved one feel seen, supported, and ready for action.
If someone you care about is experiencing hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. It may be a life-changing improvement.