The Thanksgiving holiday focuses on great food, spending time with loved ones, and lively conversation. But when a loved one is struggling with hearing loss, they might feel out of touch at the mealtime gathering, even in the company of people who care.
Contrary to initial thought, a holiday setting is often an ideal, supportive time to begin a sensitive conversation about hearing health.
The Reasons Thanksgiving Provides a Suitable Time for This Talk
During meals, people share stories, tell jokes, and exchange life updates. Someone with untreated hearing loss may find this conversational environment both frustrating and isolating. If you’ve observed a family member retreating from conversation, asking for things to be repeated often, or misunderstanding more than usual, Thanksgiving might be a prime moment to acknowledge your concern with empathy and support.
The benefit? The people they trust most are there, making it easier for them to feel encouraged rather than put on the spot.
How to optimize the environment to facilitate easier conversation
Before bringing up the topic, small changes to your environment can make a noticeable improvement for your loved one’s comfort and confidence during the gathering:
- 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 middle of the table or close to people they talk with most easily.
- Well-lit spaces help those with hearing loss to follow expressions and lip movements more easily.
- Discreetly communicate your intentions to close family, letting them know you want to discuss the topic supportively, ensuring they can offer empathetic backup.
Such simple steps can ease both the practical challenges of communication and the emotional difficulty of discussing health concerns.
A guide to addressing the topic tactfully and avoiding discomfort
For a successful discussion, approach the topic with care rather than a desire to correct or fix. 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?”
Encourage them to speak and give them adequate time to reply. It’s possible they will feel relief that the issue has been acknowledged, or they might simply dismiss it. Regardless of their reaction, do not pressure them. Just offer your support and plan to discuss it again later if necessary.
What to provide: encouragement and practical suggestions
If your loved one is willing to consider the idea of exploring solutions, be ready with a few helpful, non-intimidating options:
- Discuss hearing evaluations. Let them know that a hearing test is straightforward and non-invasive.
- Normalize the idea by comparing hearing aids to glasses; both are tools that improve quality of life without negative stigma.
- Focus on the benefits; improved hearing often leads to stronger relationships, less stress, and increased confidence.
The main point is not to fix everything immediately in this one conversation. The purpose is to plant the initial seed of support that can mature over time.
A holiday of gratitude, and a step toward better hearing
Because Thanksgiving is for expressing gratitude for loved ones, it sometimes calls for important conversations that can enhance their quality of life. Addressing 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.
If someone you care about is experiencing hearing, consider starting the conversation this Thanksgiving. This simple step could lead to a significant difference in their life.