The Thanksgiving holiday centers around delicious meals, spending time with loved ones, and lively conversation. But when a loved one is dealing with hearing loss, they might feel isolated at the mealtime gathering, even surrounded by people who care.
While it may not seem like the “right time” to discuss something so personal, a holiday gathering can actually be a soft, supportive opportunity to open the door to a conversation about hearing health.
The Logic Behind Using Thanksgiving for a Hearing Health Conversation
It’s around the dinner table that memories are shared, laughter is sparked, and life updates are communicated. But for someone with untreated hearing loss, this setting can be irritating and alienating. Thanksgiving is an ideal time to gently voice your concerns and offer support if you’ve seen a loved one shying away from conversation, often asking others to repeat themselves, or making more errors in hearing.
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.
Preparing the atmosphere for easier communication
Small environmental modifications, made before any discussion begins, can boost your loved one’s comfort and confidence level during the event.
- Cut down on background noise. Keep background noise to a minimum; this means keeping the TV or music volume low.
- Consider the seating carefully. Put your loved one near the table’s center or close to family members they easily converse with.
- Ensure good lighting, as well-lit areas allow people with hearing loss to more easily observe lip and facial movements.
- Discreetly communicate your intentions to close family, letting them know you want to discuss the topic supportively, ensuring they can offer empathetic backup.
These simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
Methods to raise this issue without causing offense
The focus of a productive discussion should be on care and support, not on correction. Don’t let the conversation become a command like “you must fix this problem.” Gently state that you’ve noticed their hearing difficulties and offer help, making it clear that you are not criticizing.
“I’m so glad we’re all here, and I truly want you to be able to enjoy the day without stress. I’ve seen that you are having some difficulty hearing the conversation. Have you thought about checking your hearing recently?”
Allow them to speak and offer a response. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Either way, don’t push. Show them your support and only bring up the topic again if the need arises.
Offering support and helpful information
If your loved one is willing to consider the idea of exploring solutions, be ready with a few supportive, non-intimidating suggestions:
- Talk about hearing tests. Inform them that an evaluation is a simple, non-invasive process.
- Make normal the conversation. Compare hearing aids to using glasses—both improve well-being without stigma.
- Point out the advantages: improved relationships, reduced stress levels, and a boost in self-assurance are all outcomes of better hearing.
The goal isn’t to solve everything in one conversation. It’s to plant a seed of support that can develop.
A holiday of gratitude, and a step toward better hearing
The spirit of Thanksgiving is centered on being grateful for our loved ones, and this sometimes involves having necessary discussions that ultimately improve their lives. Even if bringing up hearing loss initially causes discomfort, discussing it in a supportive, familiar place can make your loved one feel supported, recognized, and motivated to act.
If someone you love is having trouble with their hearing, consider opening up the conversation during this Thanksgiving holiday. Taking action could lead to a significant difference in their life.