At its core, Thanksgiving revolves around eating together, loved ones, and engaging in conversation. However, if a family member has difficulty with hearing loss, they might feel removed at the dinner table, despite being surrounded by caring people.
While one might hesitate, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
Why This Holiday Acts As an Ideal Time to Broach the Topic
It’s around the dinner table that memories are shared, laughter is sparked, and life updates are communicated. Regrettably, for individuals whose hearing loss is untreated, this setting often proves to be difficult and isolating. When you observe a relative withdrawing from the discussion, demanding frequent repeats, or mishearing things, Thanksgiving can be the right time to voice your concern with empathy and kindness.
The advantage lies in the fact that their most trusted family members are nearby, creating a feeling of support rather than accusation.
Preparing the atmosphere for better communication
Small environmental modifications, made before you start to talk, 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.
- 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.
- 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 steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of addressing health concerns.
A guide to raising the topic tactfully and avoiding discomfort
The key to a positive 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 difficulty hearing 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. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Either way, don’t push. Simply offer your support and plan to discuss it again another time if necessary.
Providing morale and tools for the next steps
Should your loved one shows willingness to investigate solutions, have a few helpful, non-threatening suggestions prepared:
- Bring up hearing tests. Tell them that an evaluation is a simple, non-invasive process.
- Normalize the idea by comparing hearing aids to glasses; both are tools that improve quality of life without negative stigma.
- Let them know to join them for the appointment. Knowing they won’t be alone can be the most impactful element.
- Focus on the benefits. Better hearing can improve relationships, reduce stress, and boost confidence.
It is not the purpose to solve all the issues during this initial discussion. Instead, aim to plant a seed of support that has the potential to grow.
making thanksgiving a time for thanks and an opportunity to improve hearing
We are thankful for the people we love during Thanksgiving, and occasionally that means engaging in important conversations that can result in a better quality of life. 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 struggling with hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. The outcome could be a truly life-changing difference.